WASHINGTON — Waterfront shoppers and strollers will notice something different on The Wharf’s watery edge: the historic Captain White’s Seafood storefront barge is gone.
Hoffman-Madison Waterfront, developers of The Wharf, told WUSA9 in a statement Thursday that the owners of Captain White's Seafood had decided to leave the Municipal Fish Market after losing a lawsuit against the District of Columbia and The Wharf developers.
Captain White had previously claimed that the developers were trying to permanently push Municipal Fish Wharf tenants out of their market space.
“During its centuries of existence, the Municipal Fish Market has been home to dozens of different fish, produce, and food vendors and will continue to do so after the departure of Captain Whites—with the beloved Jessie Taylor Seafood remaining the anchor of the market,” Hoffman-Madison Waterfront sent via an emailed statement.
“Hoffman-Madison Waterfront remains committed to preserving the legacy and vibrancy of the Municipal Fish Market that serves as a true gathering place for D.C. and will continue to carry on the rich tradition of small and local vendors selling fresh and affordable seafood at The Wharf for years to come."
WUSA9 reached out to the owners of Captain White's Seafood for a statement on their decision but did not receive a response.
Captain White's barge can currently be found on the banks of the Anacostia River near the new Frederick Douglass Bridge.
It is unclear if Captain White will set up a temporary space at The Wharf or decide to permanently locate itself elsewhere.
Just last week, shoppers faced pouring rain to get their last taste of Captain White's fish. Costumers still flocked to the fish market despite the flooding.
The National Weather Service predicted the worst coastal flooding in at least 10 years on Friday. Parts of the DMV were underwater with the strength of strong gusts and high water levels along the tidal portion of the Potomac River and the western side of the Chesapeake Bay.
Even though the fish market has flooded at least twice every year, workers such as Antonio Sanabria said he has never seen levels so high. Captain White's Seafood had to close for the day with some of the workers wading through water wearing garbage bags or using a boat to get out.
This local staple has been in the D.C. region for almost 50 years -- since 1972. The Municipal Fish Wharf in D.C. is one of the oldest and busiest food markets in America.
WUSA9 will update this story with more details as they are confirmed by our newsroom.