Barge Runs Aground in San Juan, No Spills Reported
A fuel barge traveling from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands ran aground near Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred after a line broke, causing the vessel to lose propulsion amid rough seas. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that the barge was empty at the time of the grounding, and no spills have been reported.
Incident Details and Response
The barge became stranded when it lost its maneuvering capability, allowing strong surf to push it toward the coastline. According to reports from Telenoticias, the vessel was en route from St. Thomas when the accident occurred. The president of Harbor Bunkering, the company that owns the barge, reassured the public that the vessel was empty during the incident, which mitigated potential environmental risks.
In response to the grounding, units from the U.S. Coast Guard were dispatched to the scene to assess the situation and evaluate the condition of the barge. Authorities are closely monitoring the coastline as a precautionary measure to ensure that no environmental hazards arise from the incident. The Coast Guard’s prompt action aims to prevent any potential fallout from the grounding, which has been a concern in the region due to past incidents.
Historical Context and Environmental Concerns
The news that the barge was empty has been met with relief, especially given Puerto Rico’s history with barge groundings. One of the most notable incidents occurred on January 7, 1994, when the Morris J. Berman oil spill resulted in a catastrophic environmental disaster. That incident involved a 302-foot barge that broke free from its tow line and ran aground on a coral reef off Punta Escambrón, releasing between 750,000 and 800,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil. The spill contaminated over 100 miles of shoreline, severely impacting beaches, reefs, and historic areas, including parts near Old San Juan.
The aftermath of the Morris J. Berman spill led to extensive cleanup and restoration efforts that lasted for years. It also resulted in significant fines and long-term environmental recovery projects overseen by both federal and local agencies. The current grounding incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with maritime operations in the region, highlighting the importance of vigilance and rapid response to prevent similar disasters.
