Maryland authorities recovered two bodies during a search for workers who fell into the water after a cargo ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The victims were identified as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes and Dorlian Castillo Cabrera. Four other workers are still missing and presumed dead. Search efforts have been exhausted, and authorities believe the remaining vehicles with victims inside are trapped in superstructures and concrete from the collapsed bridge.
The ship collided into a support pillar causing the collapse, and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath stated that authorities were not informed of any issues with the ship. The investigation into the incident has begun as the Baltimore area grapples with the loss of a major transportation link and the closure of the port vital to the city’s shipping industry. The Port of Baltimore is crucial to the national and global economy, handling more cars and farm equipment than any other port in the country.
The ship involved was managed by Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd., with Maersk chartering the vessel. The impact occurred while the ship was under the guidance of local pilots who assist with safe navigation in ports. The ship, traveling from Baltimore to Sri Lanka, was flying a Singapore flag, and Singapore officials have announced they will conduct their own investigation and support U.S. authorities in the matter.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore addressed the bridge collapse as a global crisis, highlighting the impact on both the national and global economy due to the closure of a key transportation link. The importance of the Port of Baltimore in handling cargo and maintaining supply chains was emphasized during the press conference. The community mourned the loss of the workers and the disruption caused by the bridge collapse.
Divers found a red pickup truck submerged in 25 feet of water in the middle span of the bridge, with the bodies of the two workers trapped inside. The victims were identified as individuals from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The families of the deceased have been notified, and search efforts have shifted towards salvage operations due to the challenging conditions around the wreckage.
The collapse of the Key Bridge has had a significant impact on the Baltimore region, leading to disruptions in transportation and commerce. The sudden loss of the bridge has raised concerns about infrastructure safety and the need for efficient maintenance and regulation to prevent similar incidents in the future. The community has come together to support the families of the victims and address the aftermath of the tragedy. Investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing, involving multiple agencies and officials from different countries.
