(SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico) — The unified command announced salvors completed fuel removal operations Monday as assessments and preparations continue to remove a grounded fuel barge from the rocks along the San Felipe del Morro Castle shoreline.
The barge Defiant grounded at about noon Feb. 9 just off the Port of San Juan harbor entrance. There were no reported injuries. The U.S. Coast Guard established a 200-yard safety zone around the vessel until further notice.
Approximately, 1,000 gallons of residual fuel and oily water were removed from the barge.
Over the weekend, salvage crews brought in additional equipment to assess the extent of the barge damage and to test all tanks and voids for pressurization. The proposed plan to remove the barge is under review pending updates from salvors and final approval from the captain of the port.
“With the removal of residual fuel, we have substantially reduced the immediate threat to the marine environment,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ray Lopez, Coast Guard incident commander, Sector San Juan. “We will continue to monitor the area closely as salvors and responders work diligently to prepare and condition the barge for its removal. Removal of the barge will take as long as necessary to ensure the safety of the responders while minimizing impacts to the marine environment and protecting the integrity of the Port of San Juan’s maritime transportation system.”
– U.S. Coast Guard
