Tug, barge grounded off Galveston shore in high winds

GALVESTON, TX (KTRK) -- Tug boats are now working to free a barge grounded about 200 yards off the East Beach in Galveston.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a tug and barge were waiting out the severe weather and anchored, but high winds too strong and that caused barge to drift onto the rocks. The barge appears to be stuck on a jetty that separates East Beach and the inlet to the channel.

The grounded tanker seen off the coast of Galveston near East Beach.

KTRK Photo/ KTRK

We're told by the Coast Guard that the barge is empty.

A total of six people are on the tug and barge. They're fine.

Officials now are waiting out the weather before other tugs get close enough to pull the barge off the rocks.

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