Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Search Operation Suspended, Crew Members Assumed Dead

Updates On Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Officials announced that six individuals who disappeared following cargo ship’s power failure and collision with a significant bridge in Baltimore, USA, were presumed dead. Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland L. Butler Jr. stated on Tuesday evening that search efforts for the missing individuals would be halted until the following day.

Maersk, the shipping company, verified that the Singapore-flagged container vessel named ‘Dali,’ which collided with the Baltimore bridge, resulting in its near-complete collapse and the subsequent plunge of cars and individuals into the river below, was operated exclusively by a crew composed of Indian nationals.

“Based on the length of time that we’ve gone in this search… (and) the water temperature… at this point we do not believe that we’re going to find any of these individuals still alive,” said Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath.

President Joe Biden announced that the government will cover the entire expense for rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which is among the busiest transportation routes in the United States.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore stated that the crew of the ship issued a ‘May Day’ call just before the collision that caused the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, allowing authorities to minimize traffic on the bridge. Moore praised the crew, referring to them as heroes for their actions that saved lives during the incident.

Colonel Roland L Butler Jr. declared that the search and rescue operation was shifting to a search and recovery phase. He mentioned that the search efforts were being temporarily halted, with divers scheduled to resume at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, aiming for improved conditions compared to the challenging conditions experienced overnight.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was on the scene and said there was no credible information to suggest terrorism. According to Equasis, inspectors detected an issue with Dali’s machinery in June. However, a recent inspection did not uncover any deficiencies.

Also Read: Baltimore Bridge Collision: Container Ship Crewed Entirely by Indians Involved in Incident