Salvors Successfully Refloat 265-Foot Barge After 17 Days Aground At San Juan Port Entrance

Grounded barge — Screengrab from Facebook video posted by USCG Sector San Juan

A Unified Command led by the United States Coast Guard successfully refloated and removed the grounded 265-foot fuel barge Defiant from the shoreline near Castillo San Felipe del Morro at the entrance of San Juan Harbor early Wednesday morning.

The operation cleared a key maritime gateway in Puerto Rico and restored full port operations after the vessel ran aground on February 9. No injuries or missing crew members were reported.

Response personnel and contracted marine salvors refloated the barge at approximately 2:22 a.m. local time, just before the arrival of high tide.

Salvage planners coordinated the pull with tidal movement to reduce hull stress and avoid further environmental risk.

Three tugboats were prepositioned ahead of the operation. Crews completed extensive preparations, including the pressurisation of all cargo tanks, voids, and compartments, to stabilise the vessel before the pull.

The tugboat Lobo Grande successfully pulled the barge off the rocks with assistance from the incoming tide.

Once it was refloated, salvors and Unified Command responders conducted immediate stability checks. They verified that the barge was floating properly and confirmed internal tank pressure remained steady.

The Captain of the Port authorised transit only after confirming the vessel’s condition was stable.

During the transit inside San Juan Harbor, Coast Guard and partner agency marine units enforced a 500-yard safety zone until the barge reached its destination at Pier 16, where it is currently moored for further assessment and repairs.

Following the barge’s removal, San Juan Port resumed normal operations and reopened to all vessel traffic.

The port serves as a critical logistics hub for Puerto Rico’s fuel supply, containerised cargo, and regional trade. Any prolonged disruption at the harbor entrance could have impacted fuel deliveries and supply chains across the island.

Capt. Luis J. Rodríguez, Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander and Captain of the Port, stated that interagency coordination played a central role in protecting the maritime transportation system and marine environment.

The fuel barge ran aground on February 9 near the entrance of San Juan Harbor, adjacent to San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Reference: USCG

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