A truck was recovered from the Patapsco River after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge while another vehicle remains hanging from the metal, with divers searching for the six presumed dead construction workers. Maryland Governor Wes Moore praised the divers’ efforts in dangerous conditions of pitch dark, cold water, and heavy tides. The incident occurred when the 985-foot Dali struck a bridge pillar while heading from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated that it is uncertain how long it will take to clear the channel, which is approximately 50 feet deep. Synergy Marine Group, the ship’s manager, reported that the collision occurred while local pilots were guiding the vessel in and out of the port.
The Dali, flying under a Singapore flag, was owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and chartered by Danish shipping giant Maersk. Only one crew member suffered a minor injury and was treated at a hospital. The vessel was last inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard in New York in September 2023, with no deficiencies found. Despite the tragedy, efforts are ongoing to recover the second vehicle and the bodies of the missing workers. Governor Moore expressed gratitude for the divers and first responders risking their lives in challenging conditions to search for the remaining victims. The Homeland Security memo detailed the ongoing recovery mission, highlighting the dangerous conditions faced by the rescue teams during their efforts to retrieve the vehicles and recover the bodies.
Transportation Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the need to remove obstacles in order to rebuild the Baltimore bridge and ensure safe passage for vessels in the area. The impact of the bridge collapse has raised concerns about the safety of maritime transportation and the role of local pilots in guiding ships through ports. Synergy Marine Group’s statement regarding the incident indicated that the ship was under the control of one or more pilots at the time of the collision. The incident has prompted questions about the training and qualifications of these pilots and the measures in place to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The recovery mission for the remaining vehicle and the bodies of the missing workers continues as divers face challenging conditions in the water. Governor Moore highlighted the dedication and courage of the divers and first responders involved in the search efforts. The incident has raised awareness about the risks involved in maritime transportation and the importance of thorough inspections and safety measures for vessels navigating through waterways. The collaboration between local authorities, the Coast Guard, and maritime organizations is crucial in ensuring the safe passage of ships and preventing future accidents. The recovery efforts are ongoing, with a focus on clearing the channel and recovering the vehicles and victims to bring closure to the tragic event.
