Barge Defiant Grounding; El Morro National Park, San Juan, Puerto Rico

FVCG+HM5, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico | 2026-Feb-09

Initial Notification: On February 9, 2026, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector San Juan contacted the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) at approximately 1215 EST to report that the 265-foot barge Defiant had broken free from the tow line from the tug Storm and run hard aground on the rocks at the base of El Morro, a National Park Service property. According to initial reports, the barge tanks were empty at the time of grounding except for residual and clingage. Some operating fuels are onboard on the deck. Amounts of oils are still being assessed and confirmed, but appear to be minimal at this time. Seas are high and salvage efforts are likely to be delayed and difficult. USCVG will provide more information when available. NOAA has begun developing a resources at risk report and is standing by for further information and support as requested.