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Barge remains, but other vessels along Ocean Drive brought to surface

Posted at 5:31 PM, Jun 07, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-07 18:37:02-04

 

The barge off Ocean Drive remains in the water, but small progress has been made with the other closeby vessels.

The barge initially arrived on May 10 behind the Corpus Christi Diocese property on the 4100 block of Ocean Drive. It was going to be used the next day for the Triumph Over Kid Cancer’s 13th Annual Toga Party.

According to TOKC officials, this barge was going to be used as a platform for those enjoying the party but due to safety issues, it was never used.

The barge and other small vessels have remained in that location for four weeks. During this period, two vessels that had accompanied the barge took on water and were submerged.

This afternoon, those small vessels were pulled back to the surface by the person who was responsible.

The Coast Guard is currently working with this individual to have the barge moved.

Triumph Over Kid Cancer was initially approached by a donor who offered to donate the barge for the fundraising event. His crew was unable to complete the set up of the barge and never returned to move it.

The barge and other small vessels have remained in that location for four weeks. During this period, two vessels that had accompanied the barge took on water and were submerged.

This afternoon, those small vessels were pulled back to the surface by the person who was responsible.

The Coast Guard is currently working with this individual to have the barge moved.

While the operator of the vessels is responsible for moving them, the General Land Office is “monitoring the actions of the operator to ensure the vessels are safely re-floated and that the minimal threat of pollution has been addressed.”

The Director of Operations for Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation told KRIS 6 News in a statement yesterday that they are working with all parties to get the situation resolved as soon as possible.