Following the tragic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, salvage crews are gearing up to lift the first piece of the bridge from the water. This crucial step will not only allow access for barges and tugboats to the disaster site but also marks the beginning of a complex effort to reopen the city’s blocked port. The collapse occurred early on a Tuesday morning, resulting in the loss of six lives. The incident took place when a massive container ship lost power and collided with a support pylon, causing a significant portion of the bridge to crash into the Patapsco River, obstructing the Port of Baltimore’s shipping channel.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore mentioned in a news conference that a section of the bridge’s steel superstructure near the crash site will be cut into a manageable piece. This piece will then be lifted by a crane onto a barge and transported to the nearby Tradepoint Atlantic site at Sparrows Point. The purpose of this action is to create a temporary restricted channel that will facilitate the entry of vessels around the collapsed area. While a timeline for this phase of the clearance work was not provided, Governor Moore emphasized that the operation would not be a quick task, neither would it be a lengthy one. However, he assured that once this phase is complete, more equipment can be brought in to accelerate the recovery process.
Complex Salvage Operation
Despite the ongoing efforts, workers have refrained from attempting to remove a crumpled part of the bridge’s superstructure that is currently resting on the bow of the container ship involved in the incident. Governor Moore reiterated the complexity of the operation, emphasizing the need to clear debris from the river’s shipping channel before the vessel can be moved. Teams from various agencies, including the Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy’s salvage arm, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are working together to address the challenges posed by the debris and salvage operations.
The aftermath of the bridge collapse has not only resulted in loss of lives but has also impacted the livelihoods of thousands of individuals who depend on the port’s daily operations. Approximately 15,000 jobs are currently on hold as the port remains closed. While other ports along the East Coast may be able to handle container traffic, Baltimore plays a crucial role in the import and export of “roll-on, roll-off” vehicles, as well as farm and construction equipment. In response to the crisis, the Small Business Administration has approved a disaster declaration, allowing affected firms to apply for emergency low-interest loans. Additionally, the federal government has swiftly allocated $60 million in emergency funds to support debris clearance and bridge rebuilding efforts.
Pledge for Support
President Joe Biden has reiterated the federal government’s commitment to covering all costs associated with debris removal and bridge reconstruction. The rapid disbursement of emergency funds underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a prompt recovery process. As the salvage operations continue and efforts to reopen the port progress, the focus remains on ensuring safety, efficiency, and resilience in the face of this tragedy.