Maryland Governor Wes Moore addressed the unsafe conditions for rescue divers following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge during a press conference. He emphasized that weather, debris, and wreckage in the water were making it unsafe for divers to conduct rescue operations. Moore stated that the safety of first responders would not be compromised, and efforts to ensure their safety were ongoing. The Army Corps and their partners planned to proceed with crane operations to cut up and remove sections of the bridge, a process described as “remarkably complicated.”
Governor Moore expressed gratitude towards responding agencies and the Biden-Harris Administration for their assistance following the bridge collapse. The incident resulted in eight construction workers falling into the water after a container ship collided with the bridge. Two workers were rescued, while the bodies of two others were recovered by divers. The remaining four workers are presumed dead. The container ship, named Dali, was en route to Sri Lanka from Baltimore and was owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. Maersk, a Danish shipping company, had chartered the vessel. The ship was carrying over 4,000 metal shipping containers, with 56 containing hazardous materials. Booms were deployed to control the spread of oil that leaked into the water, and state environmental officials were monitoring water samples.
Governor Moore mentioned that as soon as conditions changed, rescue divers would be able to resume their operations in the water. The Army Corps and their partners were working towards creating a temporary restricted channel to allow more vessels to access the site of the collapse. The process of cutting up and removing sections of the bridge was described as complex and ongoing. Moore assured that efforts would continue to ensure the safety of all involved in the recovery operation and that both the safety of first responders and the progress of the operation would be maintained simultaneously.
Mayor Brandon Scott of Baltimore City appeared alongside Governor Moore during the press conference, highlighting the collaborative efforts of various agencies and organizations involved in the response to the bridge collapse. Moore stated that while conditions currently prevented rescue divers from working in the water, the situation would be reassessed as conditions changed. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by the presence of debris and wreckage from the collapsed bridge, emphasizing the need for caution and safety in the ongoing recovery efforts. The incident raised concerns about the safety of workers and the need for comprehensive measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge resulted in a tragic accident that claimed the lives of several construction workers and posed environmental risks due to the release of hazardous materials. Governor Moore’s statements during the press conference reflected a commitment to prioritizing the safety of first responders while also advancing the recovery efforts. The complexity of the operation, including crane operations to remove sections of the bridge and the management of hazardous materials on the container ship, highlighted the challenges faced by responders in addressing the aftermath of the collapse. The incident underscored the importance of preparedness, coordination among response agencies, and ongoing vigilance in mitigating risks associated with such disasters.
