Six Feared Dead
Tragically, six individuals working on the bridge are now missing and presumed dead following the collapse. Despite efforts by the US Coast Guard and Maryland State Police, search-and-rescue operations were halted approximately 18 hours after the incident due to the challenging conditions.
Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath stated, “There was no hope of finding the missing workers alive due to the frigid water and the length of time elapsed since the accident.” State Police Colonel Roland Butler mentioned plans to resume diving operations to recover the bodies.
Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Crew and Ship Details
The “Dali,” flying the Singapore flag, was managed by Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. It was en route from Baltimore to Colombo and was carrying 4,679 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) at the time of the collision. Fortunately, all crew members, including two pilots, escaped without injuries.
Maryland Governor Commends Crew’s Actions
Maryland Governor Wes Moore praised the crew for their quick response in issuing a Mayday call, which allowed authorities to prevent further vehicles from accessing the bridge. He remarked, “These people are heroes, they saved lives last night.” Jeffrey Pritzker, executive vice president of Brawner Builders, expressed shock, emphasizing the company’s commitment to safety.
President Biden Acknowledges Crew’s Efforts
US President Joe Biden commended the crew for alerting transportation officials about losing control of the ship, which led to the timely closure of the bridge. He emphasized that this action “undoubtedly saved lives” and assured ongoing investigations into the incident.
Indian Embassy Offers Condolences
The Indian Embassy in the US extended heartfelt condolences to all affected by the tragedy and established a hotline for Indian citizens requiring assistance. They are gathering information about the crew members.
Investigation and Government Response
Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, with preliminary findings suggesting it was an accident. Governor Moore declared a State of Emergency to facilitate crisis management. The US Coast Guard and local officials are actively involved in response efforts, collaborating closely with the ship’s management.
Impact and Reactions
The incident has significantly disrupted Baltimore, especially the Port of Baltimore, and raised concerns about maritime safety and infrastructure resilience. Maersk, the company chartering the “Dali,” expressed horror at the event and offered support to those affected. President Biden has pledged federal assistance for rebuilding efforts.
Safety Concerns and Looking Ahead
The collision underscores the importance of maritime safety and the resilience of critical infrastructure. Ongoing investigations will likely scrutinize the ship’s previous machinery issues. The aftermath of the disaster will have lasting effects on the community, maritime industry, and transportation networks, necessitating thorough inspections, repair efforts, and safety protocol revisions at major ports.
(With inputs from agencies)
