Salvage crews have commenced the process of removing containers from the Dali cargo ship, which has been lodged in Baltimore Harbor since it collided with and caused the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last month. This is a significant milestone towards reopening the main channel.
Crews are currently in the process of removing containers from the Dali in order to gain access to the section of the Key Bridge that is located on top of the ship. This effort is being carried out by the Key Bridge Response Unified Command, who stated in a recent statement that the removal of the containers will be taking place throughout the week, weather permitting.
According to the Key Bridge Response Unified Command, the safe removal of the Dali from the wreckage site and the extraction of sections of the bridge across the ship’s bow will be facilitated by the removal of the containers.
Following the collapse of the bridge on March 26, the Dali lost power and collided with a support column, resulting in its plunge into the Patapsco River. As a result, temporary alternate channels were set up. The Key Bridge Response Unified Command reported that a total of 32 vessels have successfully navigated through these temporary channels.
U.S. Coast Guard Capt. David O’Connell stated that the Unified Command is currently making progress on its primary objectives. These include removing sufficient debris to open the channel for larger commercial traffic, refloating the M/V Dali, and continuing the recovery efforts for the missing individuals. Capt. O’Connell emphasized that the team is dedicated to ensuring the safe and efficient achievement of these goals on a daily basis.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has unveiled its plan to open a new channel in the Port of Baltimore before the end of April. This move aims to restore port access to its full capacity by the end of May. Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, the commanding general for the USACE, acknowledged that the timeline might be subject to change due to weather conditions and the condition of the wreckage.
“We are prioritizing the swift and secure clearance of the channel to ensure the restoration of full service at this crucial port,” stated Spellmon. “Simultaneously, we remain committed to supporting the families of the missing individuals and collaborating with our partners to aid in the search and recovery efforts for their loved ones.”
Efforts are still underway to retrieve the bodies of the six construction workers who tragically lost their lives in the collapse. Although two workers were successfully rescued by the brave efforts of the rescuers, the remaining six are presumed to have perished following an extensive search.
Authorities have recovered the bodies of three individuals from the river: Maynor Suazo Sandoval, 38, Dorlian Castillo Cabrera, 26, and Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35. However, there are still three others who remain missing.
