Two Large Barges Run Ashore Milford Connecticut Amid Hurricane Michael Aftermath

Two large hopper barges, each about 140 feet long, broke free from their moorings and drifted approximately five miles before running aground on Woodmont Beach in Milford, Connecticut. The incident occurred amid strong winds and rough seas caused by the remnants of Hurricane Melissa, which also caused the barges to partially beach and later drift about one mile toward West Haven. The barges, owned by Buchanan Marine, were empty and posed no environmental threat, and no crew members were aboard when they broke free. The U.S. Coast Guard, along with salvage and towing teams, is actively working to tow the barges back to their original moorings and assess their condition. Officials have urged residents to avoid approaching the barges due to ongoing hazardous weather conditions. No injuries have been reported, and the situation remains under monitoring as weather conditions continue to challenge recovery efforts.