Progress in Key Bridge Incident One Month Later

BALTIMORE, MD News (4/29/2024) – It has been one month since the unfortunate collision involving the Singaporean-flagged container vessel M/V DALI and the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a crucial link connecting Hawkins Point and Dundalk, Maryland. The incident resulted in the collapse of the bridge into the lower Patapsco River, halting all maritime traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore.

Tragically, during the bridge collapse, eight road crew workers who were on break from repairing potholes found themselves on the bridge. While two workers were rescued, four have been recovered deceased, leaving two individuals still unaccounted for. Efforts to locate these missing workers are ongoing, with a primary focus on the well-being of the affected families.

Since the incident, 171 commercial vessels have utilized the alternate channels, including five vessels awaiting departure from the Port of Baltimore since March 26. Additionally, significant progress has been made in the removal of containers, with 137 out of an estimated 180 necessary for accessing the section of the bridge atop the M/V DALI already removed.

Presently, a total of over 900 personnel, including uniformed and civilian workers from 53 different federal, state, and local agencies, as well as contract specialists, are actively engaged in the recovery and salvage efforts. A diverse fleet of vessels and equipment has been assembled, including barges, tugboats, cranes, excavators, and Coast Guard cutters, to address the estimated 50,000 tons of wreckage at the bridge site.

Dive teams have conducted numerous missions to assist in recovery efforts, supported by survey vessels gathering essential data for mapping the wreckage and determining safe navigation routes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Coast Survey has played a vital role in this process, conducting hydrographic surveys to identify obstructions and verify the safety of temporary alternate channels.

Aerial operations have also been crucial, with unmanned aircraft systems and manned helicopters providing essential oversight and support throughout the operations. Mariners have been advised to monitor VHF-FM marine channel 16 for the latest updates, while the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has established a Minimum Wake Speed Limit Zone for the duration of the operations to ensure safety.

The Unified Command overseeing the Key Bridge Response 2024 includes representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Department of the Environment, Maryland Transportation Authority, Maryland State Police, and Witt O’Brien’s representing Synergy Marine. Their operational priorities remain focused on ensuring public and responder safety, accountability for missing persons, restoration of transportation infrastructure and commerce, environmental protection, and support for the investigation.

As the recovery and salvage efforts continue, the Unified Command expresses its gratitude for the ongoing support and cooperation from all involved agencies and stakeholders. Updates on the progress of the operation will continue to be provided as the situation develops.

Story by multiple RFHC contributors