During a news briefing on Tuesday, Maryland State Police Secretary, Col. Roland L. Butler Jr., announced that the conditions surrounding the collapsed Baltimore bridge have become too hazardous for first responders and divers to continue search-and-rescue operations. This decision marks a transition from search-and-rescue efforts to a recovery phase for the missing individuals.
Col. Butler highlighted the dangers posed by the changing conditions, emphasizing the risks faced by divers in the water. He explained that factors such as shifting currents, low temperatures, poor visibility, and the presence of various debris and unknown objects in the water have made it unsafe for divers to operate effectively.
He expressed concerns about the potential risks to first responders, stating that even a single object in the water could pose a significant threat to their safety. As a result, authorities have decided to prioritize the well-being of the rescue teams and adjust their approach to the situation.
Despite the challenges, surface ships will remain active overnight to support the ongoing operations. Divers are scheduled to resume their efforts at 6 a.m. ET on Wednesday, with the hope of gaining a better understanding of the conditions and addressing the issues in a safer manner.
Col. Butler emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in the operation and expressed confidence that the revised strategy would lead to a more effective response to the incident.
