The ongoing saga of the sunken barge in Santiago de Cuba's bay reached a milestone on Monday with the completion of the initial phase to fully extract the vessel and prepare it for repairs. According to Aris Arias Batalla's social media update, at 8:45 p.m. on Monday, the full recovery of the barge was confirmed. The vessel had been partially submerged off the Alameda promenade for several days.
Arias noted that the second phase would begin this Tuesday, focusing on welding interior cracks to ensure the barge's transport to DAMEX facilities, where it will undergo restoration and maintenance by ASTOR shipyard technicians. The ultimate goal is to return what was once “the city's most elegant and comfortable restaurant-barge,” claimed Arias. He expressed gratitude for the combined efforts of Aguas Santiago, the microenterprise NAVLINO S.R.L., the Eastern Shipyard Company, the Fire Department, and the Cuban Volunteer Firefighters Association.
In previous updates, Arias had already declared the barge "100% out" and quoted a popular saying: “Where there are men there is no ghost, and if there is, it is the man himself,” highlighting the collective determination to revive the project as a “commitment to the city and its people, not a personal or family obligation.”
The rescue of the vessel, once a bustling spot for Santiago families, began last Saturday following days of preparatory work. The barge had been partially submerged since the beginning of the month due to years of neglect and lack of maintenance. Its sinking, near the waterfront area known as the Alameda, underscored the degradation of maritime transport and infrastructure in Santiago de Cuba. More critically, it highlighted the prevailing neglect in the city and its government, which only acts when social media outcry, as in this instance, becomes too loud to ignore.
The recovery operation, involving both state institutions and private actors, has unfolded like a serialized drama, with daily updates on the progress. If the repair phase proceeds as planned, the barge could soon resume its role as a floating restaurant, now with structural improvements and better amenities for the public, aiming to revive part of the cultural and recreational life along Santiago's coast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santiago de Cuba's Barge Recovery
What is the current status of the barge in Santiago de Cuba?
As of now, the barge has been fully recovered from its submerged state. The next step involves welding and repairs to prepare it for restoration.
Who is involved in the barge's recovery and restoration?
The recovery has been a joint effort involving Aguas Santiago, NAVLINO S.R.L., the Eastern Shipyard Company, the Fire Department, and the Cuban Volunteer Firefighters Association.
What caused the barge to sink in the first place?
The barge sank due to years of neglect and inadequate maintenance, highlighting broader issues with maritime infrastructure in Santiago de Cuba.