Baltimore bridge collapse: Six workers are feared dead after a cargo ship collided with a bridge in Baltimore Harbor early Tuesday, resulting in the closure of a major port on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.
Search operations near the Key Bridge collapse have been halted for the night due to hazardous conditions. Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace informed CNN on Tuesday night that the process of underwater mapping, involving numerous local, state, and federal dive teams will commence on Wednesday.
The Coast Guard has concluded the search-and-rescue mission for the six individuals who were on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore during its collapse. Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath stated on Tuesday evening that they do not expect to find any survivors among these individuals.
As dive teams encountered increasingly perilous conditions in the dark and debris-filled waters, active search-and-rescue efforts were suspended roughly 18 hours after the incident, according to officials from the U.S. Coast Guard and Maryland State Police.
Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath stated that due to the cold water temperatures and the passage of time since the accident, there is little hope of finding the missing workers alive. State Police Colonel Roland Butler expressed the authorities’ intention to resume diving operations at sunrise on Wednesday to recover the workers’ remains.
The container vessel Dali, flying the flag of Singapore and en route from Baltimore Harbor to Sri Lanka, collided with a support pylon of the Francis Scott Key Bridge at the mouth of the Patapsco River around 1:30 a.m.
Bridge Collapse Incident:
*Eight individuals were on the bridge when it collapsed, according to officials.
*Two people have been rescued, with one hospitalized and subsequently discharged.
*The Coast Guard initiated a search for the remaining six individuals.
*However, the Coast Guard transitioned to a different phase of operation, indicating a belief that the missing individuals may not be found alive.
Details About the Ship:
*The bridge collapsed following a collision with a container vessel named Dali.
*The vessel is operated by Singapore-based Synergy Group and chartered to carry cargo by Danish shipping giant Maersk.
*The US Embassy in Singapore has been in contact with the country’s Maritime and Port Authority, as confirmed by a State Department spokesperson.
Investigation Progress:
*The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation.
*A team of 24 experts will examine various aspects including nautical and vessel operations, safety records, and ownership details.
*NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy highlighted the importance of the voyage data recorder in the investigation.
Vehicles on the Bridge:
*Authorities are verifying the number of cars and individuals present on the bridge.
*Prompt actions by authorities in closing the bridge likely prevented further casualties.
*There is a possibility of more vehicles on the bridge, but evidence supporting this is yet to be found.
Future Steps:
*NTSB will inspect the bridge’s construction and address any safety concerns.
*The federal government has allocated resources for search and rescue efforts, port reopening, and bridge reconstruction.
*President Joe Biden has committed federal funding for bridge repairs.
Economic Implications:
*Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg cautioned about the impact on supply chains.
*Ships are being rerouted to other East Coast ports, notably the Port of Virginia, until the channel is reopened.
*The diversion of ocean carriers may affect trade flow, emphasizing the need for swift resolution.
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