Watch: Salvage Crews Move Grounded Barge 30 Feet In High-Tide Refloat Attempt Off Puerto Rico

The Unified Command has approved and begun executing a salvage plan to remove the grounded fuel barge Defiant from rocks near the entrance of San Juan Harbor in Puerto Rico.

The vessel ran aground around noon on February 9 near the shoreline below San Felipe del Morro Castle, a historic landmark guarding the harbor entrance.

While no injuries were reported, the grounding raised concerns about navigational safety at Puerto Rico’s busiest port and potential environmental risks to coral reefs and marine life in the area.

Salvage crews attempted to refloat the barge during high tide early Tuesday morning using a tugboat. The vessel moved approximately 30 feet from its original grounding position.

Unified Command officials stated that salvors will reassess the situation and adjust the strategy before making a second refloat attempt during the next high-tide window on Wednesday.

Lt. Cmdr. Ray Lopez, Coast Guard Unified Commander for the response, stated that the operation achieved incremental progress. He noted that rising sea states during the next operational window could assist refloating efforts.

He added that the priority remains removing the vessel safely without causing environmental damage or disrupting the navigable waterway.

Before the refloat attempt, crews completed final structural assessments of the barge. Seventeen compartments, including 10 fuel cargo tanks, were sealed and fitted with customised lids.

The tanks were prepared to be pressurised with compressed air to displace water and create positive buoyancy. Two tugboats are assigned to pull and control the barge during refloating operations.

The barge had minor residual diesel onboard at the time of grounding. Authorities reported that the vessel has been defueled to the greatest extent possible to reduce environmental risk.

Following successful removal from the rocks, inspectors will conduct another full assessment before towing the vessel either to Pier 16 or outside San Juan Harbor in case emergency measures are required.

A moving safety zone remains active around the barge and support vessels. Mariners have been instructed to stay clear during operations.

San Juan Harbor is Puerto Rico’s primary commercial gateway and a strategic Caribbean maritime hub. Any obstruction near its entrance affects vessel traffic, fuel shipments, container flows, and cruise operations.

Lt. Cmdr. Lopez stated that protecting the maritime transportation system and keeping the channel open remain operational priorities after the barge’s removal.

The Defiant drifted onto a rocky breakwater during severe storm conditions on February 9. Waves battered the hull for several days before sea conditions improved enough for salvage crews to board the vessel.

Reference: USCG

Source: Maritime Shipping News