Jacksonville-based Trailer Bridge said the company's Jones Act container barge Brooklyn Bridge was successfully refloated over the weekend after running aground on a reef off the Bahamas.
While under tow from Florida to Puerto Rico, the barge broke its towline from tug Southern Dawn on Nov. 11. The barge drifted aground on a reef off Abaco, about three miles from shore. According to a Trailer Bridge statement, a dive survey later determined the vessel sustained no hull damage, and no pollution was reported.
As the barge awaited assistance, Trailer Bridge reported an active robbery on the evening of Nov. 13. The company said roughly 50 individuals boarded the stranded vessel and removed cargo, prompting calls to the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and Bahamian authorities. Bahamian police were dispatched but did not directly intervene, citing concerns about escalating the situation.
Social media footage cited by local media outlets showed several small craft alongside the barge loaded with boxed goods, and other cargo. Individuals were seen climbing the barge’s pigeonholes to access the deck.
Salvage crews refloated the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, Nov. 15. The barge was underway back to Jacksonville as of Nov. 16 following a second dive inspection and regulatory clearance to sail. Trailer Bridge said a follow-up team will remove any debris from the seafloor around the grounding site.
“We are profoundly grateful to the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy and others who took quick action to help ensure our safety and establish a presence of Bahamian police to secure the barge and what was left of the cargo,” said Trailer Bridge CEO Mitch Luciano in a statement.
Cargo aboard the Brooklyn Bridge included food, electronics, medical equipment, and other household goods destined for Puerto Rico. Trailer Bridge is one of three Jones Act carriers providing weekly service to the island.
“Our team continues to work around the clock to support customers impacted by the service disruption while maintaining the service of our entire fleet,” Luciano said.
Trailer Bridge operates two roll-on/roll-off vessels and two load-on/load-off barges between Jacksonville and San Juan.
