El-Lobo-Grande-2

The 'El Lobo Grande II' successfully refloated the barge 'Defiant', which had run aground on the rocks off the coast of Castillo San Felipe del Morro after breaking lose from the tug 'Storm' (IMO: 9403358) on Feb 25, 2026, at 2:30 a.m. The salvage was carried out in a highly complex and delicate operation. The technical expertise of the Donjon-SMIT salvage teams ensured a successful refloating. Salvage crews had previously positioned three tugs and completed all preparations, including pressurising all cargo tanks, empty spaces, and compartments of the barge. The tug “El Lobo Grande II” freed the barge from the rocks with the assistance of the incoming tide. After refloating, salvage teams and Unified Command responders assessed the barge's condition, confirming that it was stable, floating properly, and that the pressure remained constant before the Port Captain authorised the continuation of the transit. During the operation, Coast Guard maritime units and partner agencies maintained a 500-yard safety zone along the barge's transit route within the Port of San Juan until it had reached its destination at Pier 16, where it was safely docked at 4 a.m., assisted by the 'Don Alfredo' (IMO: 9314739). The Port of San Juan has resumed normal operations and remained open to maritime traffic. Reports with photo and video: https://www.marinelog.com/inland-coastal/video-grounded-barge-defiant-refloated-and-removed/ https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4413934/unified-command-marine-salvors-refloat-grounded-barge-just-off-san-juan-harbor/ https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/seguridad/notas/logran-remover-la-barcaza-que-habia-encallado-frente-al-morro/ https://www.elvocero.com/gobierno/video-remueven-barcaza-que-hab-a-encallado-detr-s-de-el-morro-en-san-juan/article_f20c9e4c-ad03-4368-a59a-8212b0c8add5.html