Update on Vessel grounded outside San Juan harbor

Commercial tugs come to the assistance of the M/V Kent Reliant, aground outside the port of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Panamanian-flagged freighter ran aground while approaching the channel entrance early in the morning Sept. 18 . None of the 17 crewmembers aboard were injured, and no pollution has been observed from the vessel. Coast Guard personnel from Marine Safety Office San Juan are onboard monitoring the safety of the vessel and its crew, as well as investigating the cause of the grounding. San Juan Harbor remains open.

Salvage operations for the grounded M/V Kent Reliant continue to progress outside San Juan harbor today in accorance with the Coast Guard approved plan. The salvage company, Titan Marine, has removed sufficient fuel oil as suggested by the naval engineer and began off-loading cargo yesterday. These lightening operations are anticipated to take 4-5 days, weather permitting. The good weather of the last two days have allowed salvaging operations to progress smoothly. Removal operations will be conducted around the clock for the duration of the operation. A protective boom is still deployed and staged in environmentally sensitive areas around Isla de Cabras and Isla de Esperanza. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are on-scene providing environmental and scientific expertise support in assisting the U.S. Coast Guard, the PR State Management Agency and the vessel’s representatives during the salvage operation. Coast Guard personnel are overseeing all aspects of the salvage operations to ensure the safety of the personnel and the environment.