Packery Channel barge damage, location sink current salvage plan

The barge broke loose in the Fall as Hurricane Ian churned in Gulf of Mexico before making landfall in Florida. It was being used by Callan Marine Ltd. to move rocks as part of the city's Packery Channel Restoration project, which began at the beginning of the year.

The vessel has been stranded since then.

Last week, the city announced salvage operations would begin Dec. 13, and that the barge would be floated and towed to the nearest qualified repair facility. 

But Tuesday, the city announced the salvage project would be delayed after insurance company divers surveying the barge found that its damage and location made the initial plan unsafe.

Part of the jetty had been closed in order to carry out the work, it will be re-opened since the project has been delayed.