Drifting Barges Get Stuck On West Haven Shore

WEST HAVEN, CT — Two barges that washed ashore in Milford on Thursday ended up in West Haven early Friday morning.

Neighbors along the shore in the Oyster River area of West Haven woke up to find the barges stuck along the rocks.

The barges originally washed up on the shore of Woodmont Beach in Milford on Thursday.

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer said in a post on Facebook that the barges are owned by Buchanan Marine and they transport gravel between New Haven, Stamford and New York City.

The West Haven Fire Department had planned on Thursday to attach a tow line and bring it to a tug boat that is going to bring the barge back to the cement company it escaped from, according to Borer.

However, Borer said the fire department suspended operations due to west winds and the tide going out.

“They will begin operation tomorrow a.m. when it is safe to do,” Borer wrote in the post on Facebook. “Buchanan is also putting large tires between the barge and seawall to cushion the noise and vibration residents may be hearing. Our FD will continue to check on it through the night.”