A Tinkers Gong buoy that was damaged after breaking free during Superstorm Sandy got retrieved from Phillips Beach in Swampscott earlier this week.

Coast Guard Spokesman Adam Stanton said the buoy was transported to a buoy repair yard in Weymouth.

Typically what happens when damaged buoys are recovered is the Coast Guard replaces them immediately.

They then repair the recovered buoy and return it to another location, as needed.

Buoys mark depth, hazards and other marine conditions, their colors signifying whether mariners travel to the port or starboard side of the marker.