VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) - A 570-foot barge that went aground in the surf off of Virginia Beach is making its way back to open waters.

Salvage crews began towing the barge with two tugs Tuesday morning. They plan to use a third tug at high tide Tuesday evening to move the barge even more.

The barge ran aground during a powerful storm Friday. Spokesman Mark Miller of Crowley Maritime Corp. of Jacksonville, Fla., said the barge was en route from Puerto Rico to a southern New Jersey port when the barge broke from its tow line.

While many cargo containers are empty, Miller said medical equipment, tankers of rum and other cargo remain secure onboard.

The Coast Guard said the barge has not leaked.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)