The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries advises that the overturned barge which has been grounded since 7th February, 2024 off the Coast of Cove, Tobago was successfully re-floated as at 11:54P.M. on 19th August 2024.
The re-float operations were conducted under the supervision of a team from an internationally recognized salvage company, T & T Salvage Inc. The team comprised of a senior salvage master, naval architect and a contingent of skilled salvors with the support of the technical staff at the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries.
The Gulfstream is currently stationed approximately three (3) nautical miles away from its original resting place and is now afloat holding station in waters sixty (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 and Energy Industries.
Today’s activities will now focus on conducting an underwater survey by the dive team utilizing Association of Diving Contactors International (ADCI) 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.
..the Government said.
As informed, after the completion of the dive survey by the dive team, the barge will be cleared for the transit/tow phase of operations. The Gulfstream casualty which remains in an overturned state will be towed by two support tugs provided by the National Energy Corporation, as well as a contingent of other vessels. This journey from Cove, Tobago to Port-of-Spain, Trinidad is estimated to be thirty-three (33) hours long.
