The story of the rescue of the sunken barge in the bay of Santiago de Cuba took a new turn on Monday with the completion of the first phase of operations to fully extract it and prepare it for repairs.
According to a report on social media by Aris Arias Batalla, the rescue of 100% of the vessel was concluded at 8:45 p.m. this Monday, which had been partially submerged for days in the area of the Alameda seawall.
This Tuesday —Arias specified— the second phase will begin, which will involve welding cracks on the interior of the hull to ensure its transport to the DAMEX facilities, where it will receive restoration and maintenance from technicians at the ASTOR shipyard.
The goal is to return to the city "the most elegant restaurant-boat with the best comfort," stated Arias, who expressed gratitude for the joint efforts of Aguas Santiago, the microenterprise NAVLINO S.R.L., the Eastern Shipyard Company, the Fire Department, and the Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Cuba.
In , Arias had already announced that the crane was "completely out" and quoted a popular proverb: "Where there are men, there are no ghosts, and if there are, it is the man himself," referring to the collective effort to recover the project, which he defined as "a commitment to the city and its people, not familial or personal."
The rescue of the vessel, which was once a popular recreational space for families from Santiago, began last Saturday after several days of preparatory work.
The barge had been partially submerged at the beginning of the month, after years of neglect and lack of maintenance.
Its sinking, which occurred in the area of the waterfront known as the Alameda, highlighted the deterioration of transportation and nautical infrastructure in Santiago de Cuba. More than that, it reveals the neglect that prevails in the city and the government, which only mobilizes its workers when complaints proliferate on social media, as is the case here.
The recovery brought together state institutions and private actors in an operation that has unfolded almost like a serialized novel, with daily updates on each development.
If the repair phase progresses as planned, the barge could start operating again as a floating restaurant, this time with improvements to its structure and conditions for the public, in an effort to revive part of the cultural and recreational life of the Santiago coast.
Frequently asked questions about the rescue of the patana in Santiago de Cuba
What happened to the sunken barge in Santiago de Cuba?
The patana, which was once a popular floating restaurant in the bay of Santiago de Cuba, has partially sunk due to neglect and lack of maintenance. Its rescue has been completed 100% and it is now ready to be repaired, with the aim of restoring it to its original function with improvements to its structure.
Who participated in the rescue of the boat?
The rescue of the vessel involved several entities, including Aguas Santiago, the micro and small enterprise NAVLINO S.R.L., the Eastern Shipyard, the Fire Department, and the Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Cuba. These organizations worked together to refloat the vessel and prepare it for repairs.
Why did the truck sink in Santiago de Cuba?
The barge sank due to years of neglect and lack of maintenance, reflecting the widespread deterioration of nautical infrastructure in the region. The sinking of the barge was the result of abandonment, bureaucracy, and a lack of vision from the authorities.
What is the plan for the truck after its rescue?
Once rescued, the barge will be repaired at DAMEX facilities with the help of technicians from the ASTOR shipyard. The goal is to restore it as a floating restaurant with improvements to its structure and conditions for the public, thereby revitalizing the cultural and recreational life of the Santiago coastline.
What impact did social pressure have on the rescue of the patana?
Citizens' complaints and pressure on social media were crucial in initiating the rescue of the truck. Social mobilization forced the authorities to act, demonstrating that public management in Cuba responds more to pressure and public shaming than to planning or initiative.
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