Baltimore, Maryland – A tragic incident unfolded as a container ship collided with the iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in its collapse and leaving six individuals missing and presumed dead. The US Coast Guard has ceased search operations and shifted to recovery efforts, focusing on the aftermath of the bridge’s destruction, which spanned over 1.6 miles.
Following a distress call triggered by a “power issue” on the vessel, the bridge structure succumbed to the impact of the ship hitting one of its supports. As rescue teams mobilized boats and helicopters in a frantic search for the missing individuals, two survivors were rescued from the water, one of whom was in critical condition.
Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath of the US Coast Guard made the difficult announcement in the evening that the six missing crew members were presumed dead, given the circumstances of the accident. It was revealed that they were part of a construction crew engaged in maintenance work on the bridge at the time of the tragic incident.
The attention has now shifted towards investigating the root cause of the disaster, with transportation safety experts planning to examine the vessel’s data recorder. As investigators look into what went wrong, questions loom surrounding the events leading up to the collision and the actions taken by the ship’s crew.
The Singapore-flagged container ship, Dali, struck a vital support column of the 47-year-old bridge, causing it to crumble in the early hours of the morning. Reports indicate that the vessel had encountered propulsion issues as it departed the port, signaling a potential collision risk that ultimately materialized with devastating consequences.
Despite the diligent efforts of rescue teams from the Baltimore fire department, US Coast Guard, and Maryland agencies, challenges posed by the frigid temperatures and swift tide have complicated the search and retrieval mission in the waters below the collapsed bridge structure. Local officials and authorities continue to coordinate rescue operations and assess the structural impact on the bridge.
Synergy Marine Group, the shipping company associated with the vessel, disclosed that the crew aboard the ship comprised an all-Indian team and two Baltimore locals serving as port pilots. The company emphasized its cooperation with federal investigations to determine the exact cause of the tragic incident and expressed solidarity with those affected by the disaster.
In light of the catastrophe, President Joe Biden vowed to expedite search and rescue efforts and prioritize the reopening of the port and reconstruction of the bridge. The President’s commitment to covering the entire cost of rebuilding the bridge underscores the government’s responsibility in the face of such unforeseen accidents that impact communities and infrastructure.