The recent events surrounding the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore have been nothing short of dramatic. Maryland Governor Wes Moore has been at the forefront of the efforts to clear the main shipping channel to Baltimore Harbor after the container ship, MV Dali, caused the bridge to collapse in late March. In a recent update on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” with host Kristen Welker, Governor Moore announced that the salvage crews are planning to refloat the ship within days. This news comes as a relief to many, as the closure of the main shipping channel has caused significant disruptions to maritime traffic in the area.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge occurred when the MV Dali, a Singapore-flagged neopanamax container ship, lost power while passing through Baltimore Harbor. Despite briefly regaining power, a second loss of power left the ship unable to avert a collision with one of the piers supporting the main span of the bridge. The aftermath of the collision resulted in a catastrophic failure of the bridge, with most of it collapsing onto the Dali and into Baltimore Harbor. The wreckage of the bridge has trapped the Dali, leading to the temporary closure of the main shipping channel.
To aid in the recovery efforts, a bank has created a mechanism for depositors to contribute to the Baltimore Bridge collapse recovery. With estimates suggesting that the Baltimore Key Bridge rebuild could cost $1.9 billion, every bit of support counts. A planned explosion recently cut apart a section of steel truss from the bridge that was draped across the bow of the Dali, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to clear the wreckage and fully reopen the harbor.
In a daring move, crews used explosives in a controlled demolition to remove the largest portion of the span from the top of the container ship. This operation allowed several vessels that had been trapped in the Port of Baltimore to depart before the deepest channel was closed for the removal of bridge wreckage to continue. The next step in the process involves refloating the Dali, a task that is currently underway with preliminary measures being taken ahead of high tide on Monday.
As Maryland officials work tirelessly to address the aftermath of the bridge collapse, the efforts to clear the main shipping channel and remove the MV Dali have been met with both challenges and progress. The upcoming days will be crucial in determining the success of the salvage operation and the reopening of the federal channel to Baltimore Harbor. Stay tuned as the story of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse continues to unfold.
By
