Grounded Barge Refloated Near Port Canaveral, FL
The U.S. Coast Guard reports that the MOBRO 1210, a 144-foot barge has been refloated after it broke free from a tug and was grounded near Port Canaveral this morning.
Around 1:40 a.m. Monday morning, coast guard was notified that the barge had run aground near the Port Canaveral Jetty Entrance. Crew of the tugboat MEGAN BEYEL later confirmed that it had lost control of the barge. Cargo onboard included non-explosive exercise torpedoes, batteries and household goods. The coast guard reports that the cargo posed no significant threat to the public.
Around 2 p.m. today with the combined assistance of several agencies the barge was freed and moored at a Port Canaveral pier. “The Coast Guard, Cape Canaveral Fire Department, Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Port Canaveral Port Authority, Military Sealift Command, Port Canaveral Harbor Master and Representatives from Beyel Brothers established a safety and security zone around the barge and formulated the salvage plan”, the coast guard said in a statement released today.
Other key agencies involved in the salvage included the Brevard County Office of Emergency Management, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Naval Undersea Warfare Center and the Naval Ordnance testing unit.
The Coast Guard says they will investigate to determine why the tug lost control of the barge leading to the subsequent grounding to help prevent future accidents.
No pollution has been reported.
PHOTO: Cruise ships docked at Port Canaveral.