Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Osg-Independence

On April 29, 2017, T&T Salvage quickly mobilized to respond to the integrated tug 'OSG Independence' and its barge, which had become incapacitated approximately three nautical miles from the Galveston Island Pleasure Pier. Rough seas caused a separation between the tug and the barge, prompting immediate action from the crew to deploy the barge’s anchoring system. Unfortunately, the turbulent conditions rendered the anchor ineffective as the barge began to drift towards the shoreline. During these critical moments, the situation escalated when one of the tug's propellers became entangled with the tow wire, highlighting the urgency of the response. The pre-established vessel response plan was activated, leading to the call for T&T Salvage's expertise. In collaboration with G&H Towing, three additional tugs were dispatched to help regain control of the drifting barge and to tow it away from the potentially hazardous waters off Galveston Beach. In a swift move, T&T's support vessel, 'Holt T', was deployed to deliver a salvage team and essential equipment for the ongoing operation. The crew faced daunting challenges with wave heights reaching 12 feet and winds exceeding 40 knots as they executed their mission. Divers conducted thorough underwater assessments, revealing that the starboard propeller was fouled by the tow wire and the port wheel was tightly bound by a rope. Working closely with the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Texas City and the vessel’s owners, T&T Salvage promptly devised a salvage plan to disentangle the propellers and safely escort both the tug and the barge into port. The successful salvage operation concluded on May 1, 2017, marking a triumphant resolution to a potentially dire situation.

On April 29, 2017, a significant maritime incident unfolded off the coast of Galveston Island as the US Coast Guard, in partnership with G & H Towing and T & T Marine Salvage, worked diligently to prevent the disabled tugboat "OSG Independence" and its accompanying barge "OSG 243" from running aground. The situation began around 2:19 p.m. when a representative for the integrated tug and barge reported to Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders that the vessel had become detached due to rough sea conditions near the Galveston Island Pleasure Pier, while straining under the weight of both anchors. Efforts to connect an emergency tow line proved challenging as the line became entangled with the tug's starboard propeller. By approximately 3:15 p.m., personnel from the Marine Safety Unit Texas City and members of the Galveston Police Department arrived on the scene to monitor the situation and ensure public safety along the shoreline. A crew from Station Galveston provided critical visibility, while an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Houston surveyed the area from above. The crew swiftly activated their vessel response plan, effectively coordinating rescue operations. Tugboat "Thor" reached the site around 4 p.m., and by 8:45 p.m., the team successfully regained control of the drifting barge and started towing it away from the perilous shoreline. Additional assistance arrived from tugs named "Deacon", "Captain", and "Holt T". Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crew of six aboard the tug or the two individuals on the barge. It is important to note that the barge was empty and had previously transported gasoline, with its cargo tanks filled with inert gas to mitigate any risks from remaining fumes. At the time of this complex rescue operation, sea conditions reached six to eight feet, with forecasts indicating potential heights of up to 12 feet and sustained winds of 40 knots. For a detailed visual report of the rescue efforts, view the footage here: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/521734/tug-boats-assist-adrift-barge-off-galveston.