The U.S. Coast Guard is taking steps to address the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. Following a freighter collision that led to the bridge's fall into the Patapsco River, crews have initiated the challenging task of removing debris from the site. Dive teams have surveyed the area, while workers are using torches to cut parts of the twisted steel superstructure above water.
A temporary channel is being established on the northeast side of the main channel to facilitate the passage of essential vessels. This alternate route will have a controlling depth of 11 feet, a horizontal clearance of 264 feet, and a vertical clearance of 96 feet. The Coast Guard has begun marking the channel with buoys to guide marine traffic.
Captain David O’Connell, the federal on-scene coordinator, emphasized the significance of opening this alternate route as a crucial step towards restoring operations at the port of Baltimore. The move aims to support the flow of marine traffic and mitigate disruptions caused by the bridge collapse.
Meanwhile, the Small Business Administration is launching a center in Dundalk, Maryland, to assist small businesses affected by the incident in securing loans to offset losses. The bridge collapse occurred when the cargo ship Dali lost power and control, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and significant damage.
Efforts are underway to clear the shipping channel for the port's reopening, as well as to devise plans for rebuilding the vital bridge that has been a key transportation artery in Baltimore since 1977. The incident has prompted discussions in Congress regarding aid packages to support individuals and businesses impacted by the prolonged closure of the Port of Baltimore, a critical hub for automotive and agricultural shipments in the United States.
