HOUMA, La.–(ENEWSPF)–June 17, 2010. The vacuum barges in Louisiana have been deemed safe to re-join the fight against the oil spill in the Gulf. The vacuum barges were temporarily removed from service after safety concerns occurred including stability and the lack of lifesaving and firefighting equipment.
The Coast Guard Incident Commander in Houma, responsible for the safety of more than 10,000 response workers in Louisiana, and the Coast Guard Captain of the Port of New Orleans, responsible for general vessel safety and inspections in Louisiana, consulted on the safety issues of the shallow water barge vacuum vessels. They are satisfied that all concerns have been addressed and the vessels are safe for all crewmembers aboard.
“The Coast Guard supports the Louisiana vacuum barge project – fighting the oil is our priority. However, we will never compromise the safety of all the men and women working so hard out in the field,” said Capt. Roger Laferriere, Coast Guard Incident Commander in Houma.
Source: deepwaterhorizonresponse.com
