The unified command overseeing the response to the grounded barge Defiant announced its successful refloating and removal from the shoreline near Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan Harbor early Wednesday morning. Salvage crews refloated the 265-foot barge at 2:22 a.m., just ahead of high tide, after pre-positioning three tugboats and pressurizing all cargo tanks, voids, and compartments to stabilize the vessel. The tug Lobo Grande pulled the barge free from the rocks with assistance from the incoming tide.

Following refloating, responders assessed the vessel’s condition to confirm stability and structural integrity before the captain of the port authorized transit. Coast Guard and partner agency marine units maintained a 500-yard safety zone as the barge was escorted to Pier 16, where it remains moored for further evaluation. Authorities confirmed the Port of San Juan has resumed normal operations. Officials praised the coordinated efforts of federal, territorial, and local agencies — including the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other unified command partners — for safely completing what was described as a complex and sensitive salvage operation.