Energy Ministry: Gulfstream barge off Tobago successfully refloated

THE Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries says the overturned barge Gulfstream, which has been grounded since February 7 off the coast of the Cove Eco Industrial Park, Tobago, was successfully refloated on August 19.

In a release on August 20, the ministry said the refloating came after significant groundwork and preparations. It began at 5.50pm and was completed by 11.54pm.

It said the operations were supervised by a team from TT Salvage Inc, an internationally recognised salvage company. The team reportedly comprised a senior salvage master, naval architect and a contingent of skilled salvors with the support of the technical staff at the ministry.

The ministry said the Gulfstream is currently stationed approximately three nautical miles away from its original resting place and is now afloat holding station in waters 60 metres deep off the coast of Cove, secured and supported by tugs.

The temporary facility at the Cove site has now been decommissioned by the Ministry of Energy.

The ministry said on August 20, a dive team will do an underwater survey, using Association of Diving Contractors International-certified divers.

“This survey is required for the assessment of the areas of the barge, which were previously inaccessible and to remove any hanging debris that would impact towing operations,” it said.

After the survey, the barge will be cleared for the transit/tow phase of operations.

The ministry said the Gulfstream, which remains overturned, will then be towed by two support tugs provided by the National Energy Corporation as well as a contingent of other vessels.

It said it is estimated the journey from Cove, Tobago, to Port of Spain, Trinidad, will take 33 hours.

As a contingency during its transit, the Gulfstream will be escorted by NOFI Current Busters and QT Environmental pollution-response crews, trained in recovering oil from the sea surface.