Salvage crews have removed the final major section of a crane that collapsed into the Cooper River at Pier G in Charleston, S.C., on July 10, allowing the U.S. Coast Guard to lift a safety zone and restore normal vessel traffic in the area.
The Coast Guard said there is no longer a pollution threat associated with the incident. Sector Charleston personnel monitored the final lift alongside the contracted salvage company, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District, and port stakeholders. The agency did not identify the salvage contractor in its announcement.
The Coast Guard established a 100-yard safety zone after the crane fell into the river. No personnel were injured, and containment boom was placed around the site because the crane reportedly had the potential to carry up to 1,000 gal. of fuel.
The Corps assessed the waterway the following morning, allowing commercial shipping movements to resume near Pier G while salvage planning continued. Initial reports indicated that severe weather contributed to the collapse, and the incident was under investigation at the time.
“The successful completion of this complex salvage operation is a testament to the strong partnership between the Coast Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District, the salvage team, port stakeholders, and our federal, state and local partners,” said Capt. Shawn Lansing, Sector Charleston commander and captain of the port. “Their coordinated efforts allowed us to safely remove the crane, protect the marine environment and restore the waterway for the maritime community.”
