Baltimore, Maryland – Salvage crews in Baltimore have commenced the process of removing containers from the cargo ship Dali, which collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a significant disruption to one of the nation’s crucial shipping lanes. This development marks a crucial step towards fully reopening the affected area.
The removal of containers from the deck of the Dali will continue throughout the week, weather permitting, according to a statement from the Key Bridge Response Unified Command. Efforts are underway to remove sections of the bridge that are obstructing the ship’s movement, paving the way for the vessel’s eventual clearance.
As salvage operations progress, 32 vessels have navigated through temporary channels surrounding the wreckage, facilitating smoother maritime traffic management, officials reported. U.S. Coast Guard Capt. David O’Connell emphasized the Unified Command’s commitment to clearing enough debris to enable larger commercial vessels to pass through.
The cargo ship Dali has been ensnared beneath twisted metal in the Patapsco River since the incident, which resulted in the tragic loss of six workers. President Joe Biden inspected the ongoing salvage efforts, surveying the scene from a helicopter and meeting with the families of the deceased for over an hour.
Among the victims were eight workers, hailing from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, who were carrying out repair work on the bridge at the time of the collision. While two individuals were rescued, the bodies of three others were recovered, with the search ongoing for the remaining missing workers.
To accommodate the clearing of debris, officials have established an alternative channel for vessels involved in the salvage operation. The Army Corps of Engineers aims to open a limited-access channel by the end of April, with full restoration of Baltimore’s port capacity targeted for May 31, as announced by the White House.
The salvage operation continues to mobilize over 50 divers and a dozen cranes to assist in the removal of bridge sections, crucial for restoring normal maritime activities in the affected waterway. The concerted efforts of salvage crews and authorities signify a determined push towards the complete recovery and revitalization of the impacted area.