Salvors have successfully removed around 1,000 gallons of residual fuel and oily water from the Defiant barge, which grounded near the San Felipe del Morro Castle shoreline in Puerto Rico on February 9. The barge is situated just off the Port of San Juan harbor entrance.
To assess the damage and ensure safety, salvage crews have brought in additional equipment to test the barge’s tanks and voids for pressurization. A proposed plan for the barge’s removal is currently under review, pending updates from salvors and final approval from the Captain of the Port.
Lt. Cmdr. Ray Lopez, incident commander for the U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan, stated, “With the removal of residual fuel, we have substantially reduced the immediate threat to the marine environment.” He emphasized that the area will continue to be monitored closely as responders work to prepare the barge for its removal.
The process of removing the barge will take as long as necessary to ensure the safety of responders while minimizing environmental impacts and protecting the integrity of the Port of San Juan’s maritime transportation system.
Share it now
Related posts:
Progress in Salvage Operations to Prevent Pollution from Grounded MSC Baltic III in Newfoundland
Innovative Sterntubeless Ship Design Promises Efficiency and Environmental Benefits
HD Hyundai’s Strategic Shift to Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Shipping Industry
Salvage Companies Compete to Remove MSC Baltic III Wreck
