Sandbridge Beach News

A Nov. 16 photo of the Crowley barge La Princesa grounded on the Sandbridge beach in Virginia Beach, Va. while responders work to get lines in place for towing efforts. The barge has now been refloated. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark Jones)

On Nov. 18, two members of the American Salvage Association (ASA) successfully pulled a grounded barge, La Princesa, off Sandbridge beach in Virginia Beach, Va.  The barge had broken free from the tug Sentry and grounded on the beach near Little Island Pier in Virginia Beach, Va. Crews used two tugboats pulling together on the bow and stern of the barge at high tide to free it.  The U.S. Coast Guard was also on-scene and working together, the ASA members and the Coast Guard removed the barge and ensured the safety of the public and environment. Coast Guard inspectors and a member of the American Bureau of Shipping will survey the vessel to ensure it is seaworthy.  Once completed, the Sentry will tow the barge to its next port of call in Pennsauken, N.J.