Search and rescue operations are ongoing in Baltimore after a cargo ship lost power and collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a portion of the bridge to collapse into the Patapsco River. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning, with vehicles and individuals falling into the water. Despite the chaos, no fatalities have been confirmed, with two individuals rescued, one hospitalized, and at least six others unaccounted for. These missing individuals are believed to be part of a construction crew working on the bridge at the time of the collapse.
The collision occurred when a Singapore-flagged vessel named the Dali, which had just left the Port of Baltimore, lost propulsion and crashed into a bridge support column. The crew issued a mayday call, allowing authorities to stop traffic on the bridge and respond quickly to the scene. Both the Baltimore Mayor and Maryland Governor declared states of emergency in response to the collapse, with various agencies, including the FBI and National Transportation Safety Board, launching investigations to determine the cause of the crash. While initial reports suggest an accident, there is no credible evidence of a terrorist attack.
The investigation into the incident involves various agencies, including the FBI, who are looking into any potential terrorism connections, which the initial reports indicate are unlikely. The ship’s onboard systems reported losing propulsion, leaving it uncontrollable as it approached the bridge. The Dali was moving at a high speed towards the bridge, which experts acknowledge would require substantial distance to come to a stop due to the ship’s size and momentum. Although concerns have been raised about the bridge’s structural integrity, investigators have not linked the collapse to any underlying structural issues.
A search and rescue mission is underway, with the U.S. Coast Guard actively searching for missing individuals. Crew members from the vessel are accounted for, while construction crew workers on the bridge remain missing. The search is focusing on the water and the ship’s deck, with sonar detecting vehicles beneath the surface. Experts warn of the danger of submersion in the 48-degree Fahrenheit waters, emphasizing the need for protective gear. The collapsed section of the river is about 50 feet deep.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, one of the longest continuous truss bridges in the world, spans the Patapsco River and is a vital part of Baltimore’s transportation network. The bridge, named after the composer of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” has been an essential route for commuters since its opening in 1977. The cargo vessel involved in the incident, the Dali, was departing Baltimore en route to Sri Lanka, operated by Synergy Marine Group and time-chartered by Maersk. Authorities are investigating the causes of the collision, including any pollution concerns resulting from the incident. Despite the devastation, no significant pollution reports have been confirmed at this time.
