A barge situated along the Santiago de Cuba waterfront has once again found itself adrift off the coast, despite having been previously rescued and partially repaired. This recurring incident brings attention to ongoing neglect and mismanagement of a vessel that could have served a purpose for the city.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada brought this issue to light through a Facebook post, criticizing the situation as a reflection of the broader mismanagement issues prevalent in the region.
According to Mayeta, this is the same barge that was previously reported to be semi-submerged near the Santiago promenade. Public outcry on social media eventually led to its recovery, and it was supposedly placed under the administration of the Office of the City Conservator.
However, Mayeta lamented that the outcome has been "more of the same," as the barge has once again slipped out of control, drifting in plain sight in the bay's waters.
Reports received by the journalist indicate that the barge floated aimlessly in the Santiago Bay, only to be towed back to its original location shortly thereafter. It currently sits idle, awaiting a solution to restore its functionality.
Mayeta reminded readers that the barge was once a bustling gastronomic center, a vision that failed due to poor state management and lack of foresight—a fate shared by many state-run ventures on the island.
In his post, the journalist suggested that under private management, with proper investment, design, and reliable service, the barge could transform into an attractive spot for locals and tourists alike. Meanwhile, under current conditions, it remains an abandoned and potentially hazardous fixture in the bay.
This latest incident has sparked a wave of reactions among users commenting on the post. Some expressed their frustration with remarks like, "What isn't adrift in this country?" Numerous Santiago residents mourned the decay of iconic city venues, citing parks, recreational areas, and dining establishments that have deteriorated due to neglect.
Others used humor to depict the scene, with comments suggesting the barge "wants to emigrate."
These events follow a series of incidents related to the same vessel. Last August 6, the barge collapsed near the Santiago de Cuba waterfront, by the Alameda, after enduring months of deterioration without maintenance, resulting in it being partially submerged in the bay.
At that time, local residents and activists warned about the loss of infrastructure that could have been restored for maritime transport or as a recreational venue, especially in a city with a navigable bay amid a severe energy and transportation crisis.
Following the dissemination of images and complaints on social media, authorities began rescue operations. Days later, it was reported that the barge had been completely refloated and was set to enter a second phase of repairs, involving the welding of internal cracks for its relocation to shipyard facilities for restoration and maintenance.
Plans were announced to return the barge to the city as a functional space, possibly even as a boat restaurant. However, the barge's return to a state of aimless drifting reignites questions that arose from its initial sinking: Who is responsible for its current condition? What is the actual plan for its use? How long will the potential of Santiago Bay remain untapped as a transport alternative in light of urban transit shortages and energy difficulties?
For many city residents, this incident reinforces the belief that past solutions have been temporary and that structural management issues remain unaddressed.
FAQs About the Drifting Barge in Santiago de Cuba
Why did the barge in Santiago de Cuba go adrift again?
The barge went adrift again due to ongoing neglect and mismanagement, despite previous efforts to refloat and repair it.
What was the barge's original purpose in Santiago de Cuba?
The barge was originally intended to be a gastronomic center, but the project failed due to poor state management.
Who is responsible for the current condition of the barge?
Responsibility for the barge's condition lies with the state authorities, as it was placed under the administration of the Office of the City Conservator.