Salvage Efforts Underway Following Tragic Bridge Collapse
In a significant development following the tragic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, salvage crews have started removing containers from the deck of the cargo ship, Dali, which crashed into the bridge on March 26. This crucial step brings the nation closer to the full reopening of one of its main shipping lanes.
5 Key Points:
- Salvage crews have begun removing containers from the deck of the cargo ship, Dali, which crashed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.
- The removal of containers is an important step towards the full reopening of one of the nation’s main shipping lanes.
- 32 vessels have passed through temporary channels on either side of the wreckage.
- The bridge collapse on March 26 killed six workers, all immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
- Officials aim to restore normal capacity to Baltimore’s port by May 31.
Salvage Efforts Underway Following Tragic Bridge Collapse
In a significant development following the tragic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, salvage crews have started removing containers from the deck of the cargo ship, Dali, which crashed into the bridge on March 26. This crucial step brings the nation closer to the full reopening of one of its main shipping lanes.
Removal of Containers
The Key Bridge Response Unified Command stated that the removal of containers from the Dali’s deck would continue throughout the week, weather permitting. Crews are also working on removing sections of the bridge that lie across the ship’s bow, which will eventually allow the vessel to move.
Temporary Channels and Vessel Movement
Despite the ongoing salvage efforts, progress has been made in restoring some vessel movement through the area. Officials reported that 32 vessels have successfully passed through temporary channels on either side of the wreckage.
U.S. Coast Guard Capt. David O’Connell emphasized the Unified Command’s focus on removing enough debris to open the channel to larger commercial traffic.
The Tragic Incident
The Dali has been trapped under mangled steel in the Patapsco River since the devastating incident on March 26, which claimed the lives of six workers. The victims, immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, were filling potholes on the bridge when it was hit and collapsed in the middle of the night. Two men were rescued, and the bodies of three others were recovered in the following days, while the search for the remaining victims continued.
Presidential Visit and Support
President Joe Biden took a helicopter tour of the warped metal remains and the mass of construction and salvage equipment trying to clear the wreckage on Friday. The president also spent more than an hour meeting with the families of those who lost their lives in the incident, offering his support and condolences.
Restoration Efforts and Timeline
The Army Corps of Engineers is working towards opening a limited-access channel for barge container ships and some vessels moving cars and farm equipment by the end of April. The ultimate goal is to restore normal capacity to Baltimore’s port by May 31, as stated by the White House.
More than 50 salvage divers and 12 cranes are currently on-site, assisting in cutting out sections of the bridge and removing them from the key waterway.
