05/04/2026
UPDATE 04 May 2026:
Barge Successfully Refloated and Under Tow to Quonset; Mariners Urged to Avoid Incident Area
This morning, the void spaces of the barge off Bonnet Shores were successfully dewatered, and the barge is now floating and under tow to Quonset, Rhode Island to a commercial facility. The Coast Guard is actively coordinating with the contracted salvage company to locate and properly mark the submerged pilings to warn boaters of the underwater obstructions. Upon arrival in Quonset, crews will re-secure the remaining cargo and prepare the vessel for a comprehensive inspection.
Sector Southeastern New England is urgently advising all boaters and marine traffic to keep clear of the area until further notice via a Broadcast Notice to Mariners and the Local Notice to Mariners.
While initial assessments show no visible indication of structural damage to the barge itself, a full inspection will be required. The situation is under investigation.
The Coast Guard continues to closely coordinate response efforts with the barge operator, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and the designated salvage company. Following the recovery of the lost cargo and the completion of all required inspections, the barge will resume its transit to Boston.
The Local Notice to Mariners information can be found online at https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/msi.
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At 1:46 pm local this afternoon, Sector Southeastern New England received a report of a barge listing, located northeast of Point Judith, RI. The barge and its tug, The Challenger, had been transiting to Boston, MA to deliver pilings to Logan International Airport. The Challenger had noticed that the barge was starting to take on water and list. The tug proactively made the decision to intentionally soft ground the barge in the vicinity of Bonnet Shores in Narragansett, RI and prevent it from sinking or blocking the channel. The barge has successfully grounded with no pollution risks and remains in a non-distress status.
All parties have been forthcoming and helpful in this effort as Sector Southeastern New England collaborates with the barge’s class society and company for salvage operations to allow its eventual transit to Boston.
Keeping a sharp lookout at sea saves lives. In the event of maritime emergency contact the Coast Guard via VHF channel 16 or (866) 819-9128.
