The crew of the cargo ship involved in the deadly Baltimore bridge collapse has been unable to leave the vessel for 55 days, all while dealing with the aftermath of the accident which claimed the lives of six construction workers. The crew, mainly from India, has been facing tough conditions while aboard the ship, as they have maintained the minimum staffing required by US maritime rules. Their situation has been further complicated by the expiration of their US visas which would allow them to leave the vessel.
The crew of the cargo ship has continued to work and maintain the vessel while trapped on board, with the ship being successfully moved away from the wreckage. The crew has been provided with necessary supplies and are being kept busy with maintenance and other tasks while waiting to be allowed to disembark. However, despite reassurances from the ship’s owners that they are well-supplied, there are concerns within the crew about being personally held liable for the accident, although evidence has indicated that this is not the case.
The crew has also been facing challenges with communication as their cellphones were confiscated by the FBI following the incident. While they have been given temporary phones, they do not have access to their SIM cards or data from their original devices. The crew members have expressed a desire to be allowed onto dry land, and there are plans in place to escort the crew off the ship in small groups for supervised trips. While the company continues to care for the crew members, they rely on US authorities to allow them to disembark and return home.
The bridge collapse was caused by a series of power outages on the cargo ship, leading to a loss of steering and propulsion, and ultimately resulting in the ship colliding with one of the bridge’s support columns. The FBI has launched a criminal investigation into the incident, further complicating the situation for the crew. While the company hopes for a swift resolution to the investigations and for the crew members to be allowed to return home soon, there is uncertainty about the duration of the investigations and when the crew will be cleared to leave the ship.
Despite the challenges faced by the crew, they have been working hard to maintain the ship and are being supported in their efforts by the company. The crew members are eager to find solace once they are allowed to disembark, with some expressing a desire for a quiet place to reflect on the tragedy they witnessed. As the investigations into the bridge collapse continue, the crew remains hopeful for a resolution that will allow them to return home and put this difficult chapter behind them. The crew, who have been stuck on the ship since the accident, are awaiting further instructions from the authorities and hope to soon be able to reunite with their families and loved ones.
