Cargo Removed from Grounded ITB

PORT ARTHUR, Texas - Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Port Arthur is monitoring the grounding of the Integrated Tug and Barge (ITB) Mobile approximately one mile south of the Sabine Jetties here.

The 691-foot ITB carrying approximately 330,000 barrels of gasoline and diesel fuel went aground early last Wednesday (July 20, 2005) morning. There have been no injuries or pollution reported as a result of this grounding.

The Mobile is hard aground and was unable to be removed by ocean-going tug boats earlier in the week. The Coast Guard is working with Mobile’s owners, ITB Mobile LLC, and other agencies to commence a cargo removal operation in order to re-float the Mobile. Cargo removal operations are expected to commence soon.

An independent survey conducted by American Bureau of Shipping found no structural damage to the Mobile.

The Mobile is not obstructing navigation, and the port remains open to traffic.

An ITB is a barge that is pushed by a tug boat, which has been specifically designed for the barge. When the two units are connected, the entire unit functions as a ship.

The cause of this incident is under investigation.