SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Unified Command announced vessel salvors completed fuel removal operations, Monday, as assessments and preparations continue to remove the barge from the rocks off the San Felipe del Morro Castle shoreline.
Approximately, 1,000 gallons of residual fuel and oily water were removed from the vessel.
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, U.S. Coast Guard 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.”
The Defiant barge grounded at approximately noon, Feb. 9, just off the Port of San Juan harbor entrance. There were no reported injuries. The Coast Guard established a 200-yard safety zone around the vessel until further notice.
Read the initial press release.
For the latest information on the grounding and response efforts, follow Sector San Juan.
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