Authorities announced on Tuesday the suspension of their search for six individuals missing after a cargo ship collided with a bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse and obstruct one of the busiest US commercial harbors.
“Based on the extensive search efforts conducted and considering factors like water temperature, we do not anticipate finding any survivors at this point,” stated US Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath during a press briefing as evening approached.
The six missing individuals were part of a nighttime construction crew repairing potholes on the Francis Scott Key Bridge when the incident occurred shortly after midnight.
“We are transitioning from a search and rescue operation to a recovery mission,” explained Roland Butler, Maryland’s secretary of state police. Divers faced challenges due to water conditions, but boats would continue patrolling overnight.
Video footage captured the cargo ship colliding with a bridge support, causing the steel structure, built in 1977, to collapse dramatically.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore hailed the swift response of authorities in preventing vehicles from entering the bridge after the ship’s distress call. “These individuals are heroes. They saved lives,” he commended.
Authorities emphasized that there was no indication of terrorism involvement. “Preliminary investigations suggest it was an accident,” stated Governor Moore.
Paul Wiedefeld, Maryland’s transportation chief, clarified that the crew’s work on potholes wasn’t linked to structural issues on the bridge.
President Joe Biden labeled the incident a “terrible accident” and pledged to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge.
Governor Moore stressed the importance of supporting the families of victims in finding closure.
Details emerged regarding the crew’s efforts to prevent the collision after the ship lost power, including dropping anchors as a last resort.
Federal investigators anticipate crucial insights from vessel recordings to ascertain the sequence of events, according to Jennifer Homendy, head of the National Transportation Safety Board.
Divers will conduct a detailed search to recover the missing individuals on Wednesday morning, said Butler of Maryland state police.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, vital to the East Coast highway system, serves about 34,000 vehicles daily. However, the wreckage hinders maritime traffic through the harbor entrance.
The Port of Baltimore, the ninth-busiest in the US, sustains over 15,000 jobs directly and supports nearly 140,000 more, making the incident’s impact significant.
US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg warned of prolonged disruptions to supply chains, emphasizing uncertainty about when the port might reopen.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott described the bridge collapse as an “unthinkable tragedy,” emphasizing the need to prioritize support for affected families.
