LIGHTERING AND SALVAGE OF THE TANK BARGE OCEAN 255 IN AFTERMATH OF A COLLISION, EXPLOSION, AND FIRE IN TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA, AUGUST 1993

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the early morning hours of August 10, 1993, the 14,000 gross ton tank barge Ocean 255, loaded with over 200,000 barrels of aviation fuel, premium and regular gasolines, and diesel fuel collided with the M/V Balsa 37 west of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay, Florida. The energy of the collision resulted in an explosion and fire that completely enveloped the 546 foot barge. The fire burned intensely for over 18 hours while the barge lay grounded north of the main ship channel leading into the Port of Tampa. After the fire was extinguished, the transfer of the remaining cargo, to remove the very prominent threat from explosion and pollution, fell to the U.S. Coast Guard's National Strike Force. The Ocean 255's cargo containment, transfer, venting, and safety systems were completely destroyed, and its stability and hull integrity were in question. The operation was faced with uncertain weather including the possibility of a hurricane developing, frequent strong afternoon thunderstorms and squalls, strong currents, and a vessel that was a virtual time bomb. The entire amount of remaining cargo was transferred in eight days of around-the-clock pumping operations. The damage assessment after the explosion complicated the plans for lightering and salvage operations. However, action and site safety plans, and the formation of integrated teams developed by Maritrans LP (owners of the barge and the responsible party) and the National Strike Force, resulted in a successful and safe removal of the remaining 180,000 barrels of highly flammable cargo without further pollution of the waters of Tampa Bay and the State of Florida.