The barge Defiant was successfully refloated from the Castillo San Felipe del Morro shoreline in San Juan Harbor early Wednesday morning, shortly before high tide. Salvage crews had strategically positioned three tugboats and completed necessary preparations, including pressurizing the barge’s cargo tanks and compartments. The tugboat Lobo Grande, aided by the incoming tide, managed to pull the barge free after an earlier attempt had only moved it about 25 feet. The barge is now securely moored at Pier 16.
Capt. Luis J. Rodríguez, commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan, expressed gratitude to the Unified Command partners, the Puerto Rican government, and federal agencies for their collaborative efforts in this complex operation. He emphasized the importance of teamwork in safeguarding the San Juan Port’s maritime transportation and protecting the marine environment.
Lt. Cmdr. Ray Lopez, the Coast Guard’s unified commander for the operation, noted the challenges faced during the barge’s removal. He commended the salvors for their expertise and adherence to safety measures, which ensured a successful relocation for assessment and repair.
Various agencies and marine industry companies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA, and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, participated in the response efforts.
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