Wedoany.com Report on Feb 25th, Recently, a unified command approved the final salvage plan to remove the stranded barge "Defiant" from the rocks near the coastline of Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Puerto Rico.

The command, consisting of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, and the barge owner Harbor Bunkering, was established following the barge's grounding on February 9th.

Prior to the salvage plan's approval, personnel removed 1,000 gallons of residual fuel and oily water from the "Defiant," and brought in equipment to assess the barge's damage and test tank and void space pressures.

The 265-foot barge ran aground around noon while being towed from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to the Port of San Juan. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

The Coast Guard stated that the removal operation will be scheduled during high tide, with the specific timing dependent on logistical preparations and weather/sea conditions.

To mitigate the potential environmental impact of the removal operation, assessments of coral and marine life have been conducted.

The final barge assessment has been completed, with 17 compartments, including 10 fuel cargo tanks, pressurized and sealed to allow air to be pumped in to displace water and generate positive buoyancy.

During the refloating of the barge, two tugboats will be used for control and towing. After removal, a re-assessment will be conducted before the barge is towed to either Pier 16 or a designated emergency area outside San Juan Harbor.

U.S. Coast Guard Incident Commander Lieutenant Commander Ray Lopez stated, "The Port of San Juan is Puerto Rico's primary seaport. After removing the barge from the rocks near San Felipe del Morro, our primary operational focus is protecting the Marine Transportation System and ensuring the waterway remains safely open." A moving safety zone will be established around the barge during the removal operation, and mariners and vessels are advised to stay clear.