Berkeley KAPsi cruise draws 75 police officers

[hoosier]

05/03/2005 03:42:54 AM
Fights break out on frat-sponsored boat
, FROM STAFF REPORTS

OAKLAND — It definitely was not the "Love Boat."

Police said Monday that when they responded to a 9-1-1 call from frantic crew members aboard a Blue and Gold ferry making an emergency docking at Jack London Square, they found people fighting on both decks and some so drunk they couldn't even stand up.

The rowdiness had started during a fraternity-sponsored cruise that began in San Francisco.

Six officers originally responded to the call, but soon realized that with about 650 people on board for a party sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity of the University of California, Berkeley, they needed additional help.

That brought about 75 officers — many of whom were working mandatory overtime to deal with reckless driving "sideshows" in other parts of the city — to the docking area at Clay and Water streets.

Sgt. Sean Whent said officers saw "very rowdy behavior," including people _ fighting on both decks and some partygoers so drunk "they were almost falling over."

Whent said the boat "was loaded to the gills, like sardines." He said there were a few security guards on board, "but not enough."


A UC Berkeley spokeswoman said officials had little details on the incident and were awaiting further information.

from police.

"We understand that members of a Berkeley fraternity were aboard