Kent Reliant Refloated

The M/V Kent Reliant was successfully refloated yesterday at afternoon after a thirteen-day salvage and response operation. The 522-ft. cargo ship, grounded outside San Juan harbor September 18. Titan Maritime salvage company removed most of the fuel oil from the vessel, and oil containment booms were pre-staged in environmentally sensitive areas to ensure minimal impact on the marine environment. Next enough cargo was removed to lighten the vessel so that it could safely be pulled from its grounded position. The coordinated and careful response helped to ensure that no pollution was released from the vessel throughout the salvage operation. After being re-floated, the vessel was taken approximately one mile offshore for an initial evaluation. Once stabilized and determined to not pose a threat of pollution, the vessel was towed into Anchorage E where it will undergo an underwater examination. Following that it will be towed to Pier 15 for cargo offload, and then to Pier 13 for final evaluation by the Coast Guard before being allowed to depart the port.