Barge Runs Aground Near 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 it encountered difficulties. The president of Harbor Bunkering, the company that owns the barge, stated that the vessel was empty during the incident, which alleviated concerns about potential environmental hazards.
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 damage occurs. The quick response from the Coast Guard highlights the importance of maintaining safety protocols in maritime operations, especially in areas prone to rough seas.
Historical Context and Environmental Concerns
The news that the barge was empty is particularly reassuring given Puerto Rico’s history with barge groundings. One of the most significant incidents occurred on January 7, 1994, when the Morris J. Berman oil spill released approximately 750,000 to 800,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil into the ocean. This disaster contaminated over 100 miles of shoreline, severely impacting local beaches, reefs, and seagrass beds, particularly near Old San Juan. The aftermath of that spill led to extensive cleanup efforts and long-term environmental recovery projects overseen by federal and local agencies.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation with the grounded barge, the absence of spills this time around is a positive development. The community remains vigilant, recalling the lessons learned from past incidents, and emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures in maritime operations to protect the delicate coastal ecosystems of Puerto Rico.
