The Coast Guard is overseeing removal operations of a seagoing tug and empty tank barge that beached in the vicinity of East Beach on Galveston Island, Texas, on Sunday.
The Peter F. Gellatly and light oil barge Double Skin 504 grounded after drifting from their anchorage and across the Houston Ship Channel. The Coast Guard is working with contractors and the vessel’s owner to safely refloat the barge, and said Monday that it was awaiting favorable weather and tidal conditions — expected Tuesday afternoon — to begin the operation. The tug and barge are owned by Vane Brothers.
The Coast Guard has established a 500-yard safety zone around the beached vessels. No pollution or damage to the vessels has been reported, and the Coast Guard said that six crewmembers aboard the tug were safe.
