More than a day after the Dali cargo ship collided with Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, six individuals remain missing and are presumed dead. The search efforts have been hampered by cold water temperatures and choppy waters, making it challenging for divers to locate the bodies.
Latest Updates:
Investigation: The National Transportation Safety Board team retrieved the ship's data recorder, commonly known as the black box, late Tuesday night to aid in their investigation.
Channel Reopening: Maryland Governor Wes Moore stated that there is no specific timeline for reopening the channel into the Port of Baltimore but emphasized the importance of restoring access.
Recovery Efforts: US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned of a prolonged recovery process for the city and port, anticipating supply chain disruptions in the region.
Hazmat Threat: The US Coast Guard is assessing damaged shipping containers, some of which may contain hazardous materials, from the crashed vessel.
Search Operations: Overnight search and recovery operations were suspended due to unsafe conditions, including unstable sections of the bridge and hanging shipping containers.
Missing Individuals: While the identities of the missing individuals have not been confirmed, local authorities revealed that they include construction workers who were on the bridge during the collapse.
Ship Blackout: Prior to the crash, the ship experienced a complete loss of engine and electrical power, as reported by the American Pilots Association.
State of Emergency: Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott declared a state of emergency for the city, which is expected to remain in effect as search operations continue.
As the investigation unfolds and recovery efforts progress, the impact of the cargo ship crash in Baltimore reverberates throughout the region, underscoring the challenges faced by authorities in the aftermath of this tragic incident.