Responders to Refloat Grounded Tug and Barge
The tugboat, Peter F Gellatly and barge, Double Skin 504, sit grounded near East Beach after high winds pushed it from Bolivar Roads Anchorage, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. j.g. In Choi)
The tugboat, Peter F Gellatly and barge, Double Skin 504, sit grounded near East Beach after high winds pushed it from Bolivar Roads Anchorage, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Cmdr. Ricardo Alonso)
Responders are working to remove a grounded seagoing tug and empty tank barge Monday, after the vessels became beached near East Beach on Galveston Sunday, the U.S. Coast Guard announced.
The Peter F Gellatly and barge Double Skin 504 ran aground after drifting from anchorage and across the Houston Ship Channel. The Coast Guard said it is working with contractors and the vessel’s owner to ensure that the barge is safely refloated.
Response crews are waiting for weather and tidal conditions to improve in order to safely and successfully refloat the vessel. Favorable weather and tidal conditions are expected to occur as early as Tuesday afternoon, the Coast Guard said.
There are six crewmembers aboard the tug; all are safe and in good communication with both the vessel owner and the Coast Guard.
No pollution has been reported at this time, and there are no reports of damage to either the tug or barge. The barge is not loaded with liquid cargo; however there are approximately 6,000 gallons of oil waste aboard, stored in smaller tanks on the upper portion of the barge.
The Coast Guard established a safety zone around the vessel, and all marine traffic and individuals must remain at least 500 yards away from the beached vessels.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
