The Coast Guard has made the difficult decision to conclude its active search and rescue operation for the six individuals who remain unaccounted for following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath announced that due to the passage of time since the incident and the challenging water temperatures, the likelihood of finding any survivors is extremely low.
The tragic event occurred around 1:30 a.m. ET when a container ship collided with a pillar of the bridge, leading to its collapse. Despite the valiant efforts of the search-and-rescue teams, the operation was halted at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET.
Adm. Gilreath stressed that while the active search has been suspended, the Coast Guard remains committed to the situation and will transition to a different phase of response. The focus will now shift towards recovery and investigation efforts to determine the cause of the bridge collapse and prevent similar incidents in the future.
This heartbreaking development serves as a reminder of the dangers inherent in maritime transportation and the importance of safety protocols to prevent such tragedies. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this devastating event.
