TOG MOR Barge Runs Aground Near Coatzacoalcos, Crew Rescued

On September 8, a pipe-laying barge, the Tog Mor, ran aground near Villa Allende, east of the Coatzacoalcos River's mouth in Mexico, due to strong winds and rough seas.

Following the incident, tugboats attempted to free the stranded vessel, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Helicopters from Transportes Aéreos Pegaso were dispatched to evacuate the 135 crew members onboard.

The evacuation was completed safely, although seven crew members remained onboard to ensure the vessel's security and to oversee the planned refloating operation.

Tog Mor was engaged in laying the gas pipeline for the Puerta al Sureste project, which will transport gas from Texas, USA, to Tabasco, Mexico.

The Tog Mor is a Malta-flagged vessel, originally built in 1976. It was acquired by Allseas in 1997 and converted for pipe-laying activities between 2001 and 2002. The barge is equipped with a 10-point mooring system and is capable of laying pipelines up to 60 inches in diameter. Additionally, it features a Davit system for mid-point tie-ins and a 300-ton crane to assist with construction tasks.