Salvage Crews Begin Recovery Efforts After Baltimore Bridge Collapse
Recovery Efforts Commence
Salvage crews are working tirelessly to lift the first piece of Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge from the water. This crucial step will allow access for barges and tugboats to reach the disaster site, according to Maryland and U.S. officials. The collapse of the steel truss bridge occurred early on Tuesday morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of six road workers. The incident occurred when a massive container ship lost power and collided with a support pylon, causing a significant portion of the bridge to fall into the Patapsco River, obstructing the Port of Baltimore’s shipping channel.
Complex Recovery Operation
Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced plans to cut a section of the bridge’s steel superstructure north of the crash site. This piece will be lifted by a crane onto a barge and transported to the nearby Tradepoint Atlantic site at Sparrows Point. The objective is to create a temporary restricted channel to facilitate the entry of vessels around the collapse site, accelerating the port’s reopening. While Governor Moore refrained from providing a specific timeline, he assured that the clearance work would expedite the recovery process.
Challenges Ahead
The complex operation includes navigating the crumpled part of the bridge’s superstructure resting on the Dali, the container ship that caused the collapse. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the ship’s relocation timeline, Governor Moore emphasized the intact hull of the vessel. The recovery of four missing workers remains suspended due to hazardous conditions impeding diver operations amidst significant debris in the area.
Collaborative Efforts
Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath outlined the multi-agency approach involving the Coast Guard, U.S. Navy salvage teams, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to clear the shipping channel debris before moving the Dali. The operation on Saturday focuses on cutting a section north of the channel and lifting it onto a barge with a 160-ton marine crane. Additionally, a 1,000-ton crane is on-site to support the recovery efforts.
Support for Affected Businesses
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen confirmed the Small Business Administration’s approval of Maryland’s disaster declaration request. This enables affected small firms to access emergency low-interest loans of up to $2 million until the end of 2024. Furthermore, the federal government allocated an initial $60 million in emergency funds to aid debris clearance and bridge reconstruction, with President Joe Biden committing to cover all associated costs.
