The U.S. Coast Guard harbormaster is working to secure dredging barges after one of the barges broke free from its mooring in Gloucester Harbor.
According to the USCG news, the Coast Guard and Gloucester harbormaster responded Sunday to a grounded barge on Niles Beach in Gloucester Harbor.
High winds and heavy seas caused the barge, owned by Charter, to break free from its moorings at about 3:30 p.m.
The grounded barge is one of three barges being used in dredging operations and has sand, mud, and water aboard.
A Coast Guard Station Gloucester boat crew responded to the incident. Once on scene, the crew found the remaining two barges at risk of also breaking free from their moorings.
They contacted the Gloucester Harbormaster who brought out line to secure both barges together.
Charter is currently sending a tug out to assess the situation, and to ensure all barges are secure. There are no reported injuries or threat of pollution at this time.
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