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Barge successfully refloated
The Coast Guard's Unified Command successfully refloated the barge 'Defiant', which had run aground on the rocks off the coast of Castillo San Felipe del Morro after breaking lose from the 'Storm', on Feb 25, at 2:30 a.m. in a highly complex and delicate operation. The technical expertise of the Donjon-SMIT salvage teams ensured a successful refloating. Salvage crews had previously positioned three tugs and completed all preparations, including pressurising all cargo tanks, empty spaces, and compartments of the barge. The tug “El Lobo Grande II” (IMO: 7802641) successfully pulled the barge from the rocks with the assistance of the incoming tide. After refloating, salvage teams and Unified Command responders assessed the barge's condition, confirming that it was stable, floating properly, and that the pressure remained constant before the Port Captain authorised the continuation of the transit. During the operation, Coast Guard maritime units and partner agencies maintained a 500-yard safety zone along the barge's transit route within the Port of San Juan until it had reached its destination at Pier 16, where it was safely docked at 4 a.m., assisted by the 'Don Alfredo' (IMO: 9314739). The Port of San Juan has resumed normal operations and remained open to maritime traffic. Reports with photo and video: https://www.marinelog.com/inland-coastal/video-grounded-barge-defiant-refloated-and-removed/ https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4413934/unified-command-marine-salvors-refloat-grounded-barge-just-off-san-juan-harbor/ https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/seguridad/notas/logran-remover-la-barcaza-que-habia-encallado-frente-al-morro/ https://www.elvocero.com/gobierno/video-remueven-barcaza-que-hab-a-encallado-detr-s-de-el-morro-en-san-juan/article_f20c9e4c-ad03-4368-a59a-8212b0c8add5.html
Salvage plan approved by Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard has approved a salvage plan for the barge 'Defiant', which ran aground at the base of the historic El Morro fortress at San Juan's harbour entrance after breaking lose from the 'Storm' on Feb 9 and suffered hull damage in the heavy surf. Conditions have since calmed, allowing salvors to board and make preparations for refloating the vessel. Contracted crews have sealed off and tested 17 of the barge's compartments, including the ten fuel tanks. When ready, the tanks will be pressurised with compressed air, displacing water inside and allowing the barge to be safely refloated. At high tide, two tugs will be used to pull the 'Defiant' off the rocks and keep it under control. Environmental assessments have been performed to plan for and minimise any impacts to coral or marine life. The barge had minor, residual amounts of diesel aboard when it grounded, and has been defueled to the greatest extent possible in preparation for a refloat. Salvage crews attempted to refloat the barge during high tide early on Feb 25 with a tug. It could be moved approximately 30 feet from its original grounding position. The salvors planned to reassess the situation and adjust the strategy before making a second refloat attempt during the next high-tide window on Feb 25. While the operation was under way, a maritime safety zone was in effect around the barge and the tugs, and mariners were advised to stay well clear. Report with video: https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/watch-salvage-crews-move-grounded-barge-30-feet-in-high-tide-refloat-attempt-off-puerto-rico/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=watch-salvage-crews-move-grounded-barge-30-feet-in-high-tide-refloat-attempt-off-puerto-rico
Salvors preparing to refloat lost barge
A team of salvors started preparing to refloat the barge ' Defiant', after it broke lose from the ' Storm' and became stuck on the rocky shore off San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico. The salvors have already removed around 3,785 litres of residual fuel and oily water from grounded barge, which thwarted earlier refloating attempts. On Feb 14-15, salvage crews brought in additional equipment to assess the extent of the barge damage and to test its tanks and voids for pressurisation. A salvage plan was devised to remove the barge from rocks off the San Felipe del Morro Castle shoreline, which will be updated by salvors with any new information, and then approved by the captain of San Juan port.
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