Following a deadly bridge collapse on March 26, salvage crews in Baltimore are utilizing precision explosives to remove a span of the shipwrecked Dali vessel. This method is deemed safer and quicker than the previous cutting into steel pieces technique. The use of explosives is intended to accelerate the salvage process while minimizing risk to crane operators. A spokesperson for the ship’s owners confirmed that authorities have approved the plan and company representatives continue to be present on site to ensure safety remains the top priority.
The salvage operation took a significant turn when construction worker José Mynor López, the final missing victim of the collapse, was located among the wreckage by the salvage teams. This discovery marks a bittersweet milestone in the recovery efforts and provides closure to the loved ones of the six workers who lost their lives in the tragic event. The timeline for the extrication of the ship using precision explosives is currently fluid and is expected to be a multiday process dependent on favorable weather conditions. The Port of Baltimore anticipates reopening the 45-foot Fort McHenry limited access channel around May 10 following the removal of the Dali vessel.
In order to prevent further damage during the salvage operation, officials are diligently analyzing any potential impacts before refloating the ship from the water. The planned precision explosive method of removing the wreckage is comparable to the demolition technique used for the Gov. Harry W. Nice Bridge in 2023. Additionally, officials have projected that the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge may extend until 2028. Despite these challenges, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is committed to reopening the Port of Baltimore’s permanent channel by the end of May, ensuring the continued operation of the port.
Darrell Wilson, the spokesperson for the Dali ship’s owners, expressed trust in the experts leading the salvage effort, emphasizing that safety remains the ultimate priority for everyone involved. The collaborative efforts of salvage teams and authorities are supported by the presence of some of the best experts in the field working on the response in Baltimore. The decision to employ precision explosives is a strategic one to ensure the safety of crew members and to expedite the salvage process.
The use of explosives for cutting steel sections of the shipwrecked Dali vessel is seen as a significant improvement over the previous method, with officials citing safety and speed as key factors in the decision. The discovery of the final missing victim of the collapse, José Mynor López, adds a somber but crucial element to the salvage operation, providing closure to the families of the deceased workers. With a fluid timeline for the multiday extrication process, officials aim to mitigate any potential damage and reopen the Port of Baltimore’s channel by the end of May. Despite challenges, the commitment to safety and efficiency remains at the forefront of the salvage efforts in Baltimore.
