The cargo ship that crashed into a bridge in Baltimore had undergone routine engine maintenance before the incident, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Divers recovered the bodies of two of the six workers who fell into the water when the bridge collapsed. The other workers were presumed dead, and search efforts for them have been exhausted. The victims were part of a construction crew fixing potholes on the bridge, and they came from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities believe that the other vehicles with victims inside are encased in superstructures and concrete from the collapsed bridge.
Governor Wes Moore addressed the families of the victims in Spanish, offering his condolences and support. He stated that all search efforts had been exhausted, and divers would return to search for remains once the waters were clear of debris. The U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral confirmed that the ship had notified authorities of its routine engine maintenance but had not reported any problems. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting interviews with the crew members and reviewing the voyage data recorder recovered by the Coast Guard to determine the cause of the accident.
The sudden loss of a major transportation link and the closure of the port in Baltimore has had a significant impact on the city’s shipping industry. The vessel that crashed into the bridge was carrying hazardous materials, and some containers were breached in the incident. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the cause of the crash. Divers faced dangerous conditions during the search for victims, with limited visibility and mangled metal complicating their efforts.
The ship was under the control of one or more pilots when it crashed into the bridge, and officials from Singapore, where the vessel was registered, have said they will conduct their own investigation. The Port of Baltimore is a vital entry point for new vehicles and other goods, and the suspension of ship traffic indefinitely will have lasting impacts on the city and consumers. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has emphasized the importance of reopening the port and rebuilding the bridge, but no timeline has been given for these efforts. The NTSB investigation is expected to take 12 to 24 months, with a preliminary report likely to be issued in two to four weeks.
The collision between the cargo ship and the bridge in Baltimore is a tragic event that has raised concerns about the safety of bridges worldwide. From 1960 to 2015, there were 35 major bridge collapses worldwide due to ship or barge collisions, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and regulations. The incident has also highlighted the importance of transportation infrastructure and the impact that disruptions can have on communities, workers, and consumers. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.
