Scrap barge towed to NJ port after fire in Delaware Bay

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(PORT NORRIS, N.J.) — Salvage operations on the barge CMT Y NOT 6 were completed Sunday, removing the vessel from shallow waters of Delaware Bay. The barge, carrying a cargo of scrap metal, caught fire on May 23.

Salvage experts and naval architects developed and implemented a salvage plan to safely assess the condition of the barge after the fire was extinguished, then verified the vessel’s stability and seaworthiness for transit.

The barge was towed Sunday, under U.S. Coast Guard escort, to its original destination in Camden, N.J., where the scrap metal will be removed from the barge and recycled.

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“Thanks to the close collaboration and coordination between the unified command, crews were able to stabilize the vessel and minimize impact to the maritime transportation system and environment,” said Capt. Jonathan Theel, commander of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “Our strong partnerships, particularly with New Jersey, were key to achieving success.”

The unified command is comprised of representatives from Eastern Metal Recycling, New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, Cumberland County Office of Emergency Management, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the Coast Guard.

“NJDEP thanks members of the unified command for their close partnership and work to protect public safety and New Jersey’s coastal resources,” said Robert Van Fossen, director of emergency management, NJDEP.

– U.S. Coast Guard

By Rich Miller