The Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, expressed relief at the removal of the container ship Dali, which was involved in a deadly bridge collapse in Baltimore. Despite the progress, Moore emphasized that the work is not yet complete, as the Francis Scott Key Bridge still needs to be restored. The ship, which lost power and crashed into the bridge, resulting in the deaths of six construction workers, has been cleared from the Patapsco River. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation into the incident, and the FBI has launched a criminal investigation as well.
Following the removal of the Dali, more than 500 commercial vessels have already been able to access the Port of Baltimore through alternate channels. A 400-foot-wide channel will open for 24/7 operations on Tuesday, with officials aiming to widen it further to 700 feet by the end of the month. The U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath highlighted the ongoing efforts to clear debris from the water in the channel. The swift response and progress made by the Unified Command in recovering the victims’ bodies and launching support programs were commended by Governor Moore.
Governor Moore acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the Unified Command in swiftly and safely managing the aftermath of the bridge collapse. He emphasized the importance of actively making change happen rather than waiting for it to occur on its own. The completion of the mission to restore the Francis Scott Key Bridge is the ultimate goal, despite the successful removal of the Dali. The Unified Command’s efforts to swiftly recover the victims’ bodies and support the local community were praised by Governor Moore.
The investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board into the circumstances leading up to the bridge collapse and the role of the Dali in the incident is ongoing. The FBI’s criminal investigation aims to uncover any potential negligence or wrongdoing that may have contributed to the tragic event. The significant impact of the bridge collapse on maritime traffic through the Port of Baltimore has prompted swift and efficient responses from the authorities to restore operations and ensure the safety of future maritime activities.
The opening of a wider channel for vessels to access the Port of Baltimore marks a significant step towards resuming normal operations after the bridge collapse. The ongoing efforts to clear debris and ensure the safety of maritime traffic demonstrate the continued commitment of the authorities to address the aftermath of the incident. Governor Moore’s focus on completing the mission to restore the Francis Scott Key Bridge reflects the determination to fully recover from the tragic event and rebuild the affected community. The collaborative efforts of the Unified Command and other agencies involved in the response have been instrumental in achieving progress and addressing the challenges posed by the bridge collapse.
