According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a fuel barge ran aground on February 9 on a rocky area near the entrance to San Juan Harbor.
The incident occurred close to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, where a large stone breakwater is located approximately 70 feet offshore, along with a rock revetment designed to reduce wave impact. Geolocation data and video footage from the scene show the barge wedged between these two man-made stone structures, being repeatedly struck by surf.
No injuries have been reported, and the Coast Guard stated that there are no signs of pollution at this time. A marine safety broadcast has been issued, and a safety zone has been established around the grounding site.
Despite warnings from the Coast Guard urging the public and local mariners to stay clear of the area, eyewitness videos posted on social media show crowds gathering on the walls of the historic fort to observe the incident from above.
San Juan Harbor remains open to vessel traffic, as the grounded barge does not obstruct the main navigation channel.
The Coast Guard identified the vessel as the 265-foot tanker barge Defiant. Ship observers believe the towing vessel involved was the tug Storm, registered in Saint Vincent. Based on the tug’s heading and its typical route from San Juan to the U.S. Virgin Islands, the barge was likely not carrying cargo, according to maritime historian Professor Sal Mercogliano.
Puerto Rico’s Secretary of Natural and Environmental Resources, Valdemar Quiles, confirmed that the barge grounded after the towing line parted:
“At this time, we understand that the barge was empty. However, as a precautionary measure, we have deployed an inspection team to the area for a more thorough assessment.”
