MIAMI (WSVN) - A barge that partially sunk underneath the Rickenbacker Causeway has been set upright.
7SkyForce HD flew over the scene along the south side of the bridge where half of the barge could be seen partly underneath the surface of the water at around 9:45 a.m., Tuesday.
.@USCG is monitoring a sunken barge at the Rickenbacker Causeway in Miami, Florida while commercial salvage works on retrieving the vessel. It was reported there was a minor oil spill coming from the barge that has been boomed off. #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/zrCJHbhQMw
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) November 12, 2019
The coast guard said the crane began to slightly sink due to some rough weather, Saturday.
A crane could also be seen toppled over onto the underwater portion of the barge.
“I walk this bridge everyday,” said Cathy Cuddihy, a resident. “Been doing it for about 18 years.”
Cuddihy said her morning walk began to become concerning when she noticed the barge sinking.
“I look down everyday, and now I notice there’s another barge pulled up, I guess rescuing it,” said Cuddihy.
Hours later, crews were able to bring the crane upright on the lopsided barge.
At least three pumps are being used to remove water.
“I think they should get it out of the water because you don’t know if a boat comes by, they don’t see it, they could run into it,” said Jim Rodriguez, a resident.
A dive crew also responded to the scene to assess the damage.
Lambert Bros. Inc. released a statement regarding the partially sunken barge, in which they said they have been working on reinforcing a fender system designed to protect the bridge and maritime traffic in the event of a collision.
They also said in part,
This weekend’s rains flooded the barge causing it to partially submerge. There were no injuries nor damage from this incident. They are working to pump water from the barge so they can complete the work. A representative from Lambert Bros. Inc., said they hope to have the crane uprighted later today.
There were no environmental concerns, the Coast Guard is monitoring the situation but have NO plans on going out at this time.
The coast guard is monitoring the situation while a private company took the lead on raising the vessel.
“There is some minor oil spill coming from the barge, so we are keeping track of that,” said Coast Guard Petty Officer Brandon Murray.
No one was injured in the incident.
Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.
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