Weather Delays Removal of Grounded Barge in San Juan Bay
Efforts to remove a fuel barge that ran aground in San Juan Bay are currently stalled due to hazardous sea conditions. Governor Jenniffer González Colón announced that the U.S. Coast Guard is monitoring the situation and anticipates that weather conditions may improve by midweek, allowing for the safe removal of the vessel. The barge, which was empty at the time of the incident, poses no immediate environmental threat, according to officials.
Current Conditions and Safety Measures
Governor González Colón provided an update on the situation during a press conference in Manatí. She explained that the waves in the area are currently reaching heights of 10 to 12 feet, making it difficult for crews to safely remove the grounded barge. “They are estimating that weather conditions should improve by Wednesday or Thursday, God willing, so that they can carry out the removal,” she stated. The barge, measuring 256 feet in length, was not carrying any fuel cargo when it ran aground, as confirmed by the president of Harbor Bunkering, the company that owns the vessel.
“Thank God it was empty,” the governor remarked, noting that the barge was en route to Puerto Rico from St. Thomas for refueling. Although it was empty, there is residual diesel fuel on the upper deck, which is necessary for pump operations. However, this does not constitute a fuel cargo, alleviating some environmental concerns. The Coast Guard is leading the response to the incident and has indicated that the barge’s double hull design adds an extra layer of safety.
Investigation and Legislative Oversight
In light of the incident, Rep. José Aponte Hernández, chair of the Committee on Federal and Veterans Affairs in the island’s House of Representatives, has committed to evaluating the situation closely. Preliminary investigations suggest that a broken tow cable may have caused the grounding, but the exact circumstances remain unclear. Aponte Hernández emphasized the importance of monitoring the barge removal process and any potential fuel spills at the entrance to San Juan Bay.
The legislator also reiterated the need for stringent safety measures for navigation in the bay area, including the appropriate use and number of tugboats. “This committee will study yesterday afternoon’s incident in great detail,” he assured, highlighting the ongoing commitment to ensuring safe maritime operations in the region.
