The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(MIAMI) — Coast Guard Sector Miami crewmembers are responding to the collision of the tug, RL Enterkin, and an adrift barge offshore Delray Beach, Fla., early Monday morning.
The two vessels collided while the RL Enterkin was attempting to get the adrift barge in tow after the barge broke loose from its mooring. The reason for the barge breaking from its mooring has not yet been determined.
The RL Enterkin, owned by Great Lakes Dredge in Oak Brook, Ill., sustained a 3-inch by 2-foot hole in the forward section of its hull, flooding the bow. Following the damage, the master intentionally beached the vessel. No damage was sustained by the barge, which was towed away safely by a separate tug following the collision.
The vessel is currently stable and there have been no reports of pollution. Great Lakes Dredge will be conducting salvage operations on the vessel to ensure its safe transit to port where repairs can be made.
Coast Guard Sector Miami crews will monitor salvage operations.
