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Baltimore Bridge collapse: Indian crew aboard ship that collided found safe
"There are no reports of any injuries. There has also been no pollution," a statement noted
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Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse / Image - YouTube screengrab
In the early hours of Mar. 26 a cargo ship with a 22-member crew of Indians collided with one of the pillars of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Singapore-based Synergy Marine Group, that was the cahrter manager of the cargo ship issued a statement, confirming that all crew members onboard the ship were safe and no casualties were reported.
According to reports, the ship rammed into a column of the bridge causing it to plunge into the water. Rescue operations are still ongoing and a state of emergency has been declared by the city and state officials in light of the incident.
“Owners and managers of the Singapore-flagged container ship “DALI" (IMO 9697428) report that the vessel collided with one of the pillars of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore whilst under pilotage with two pilots onboard, at approximately 01 30 local time on 26th March," a statement by the shipping company read.
It further informed that all the crew members, including the two pilots, have been accounted for. "There are no reports of any injuries. There has also been no pollution," it noted.
The exact reason behind the collision is yet to be ascertained by the company. However, initial investigation has reported that the crew issued a “mayday” saying that it had lost power and propulsion before hitting the bridge.
Meanwhile, the company said that it has notified the US Coast Guard and local officials, and "the owners and managers are fully cooperating with Federal and State government agencies under an approved plan," the company concluded.
The Synergy Marine Group also shared necessary details of the ship's capacity noting it is 10,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit), with 4,679 TEU were onboard. The vessel was "Outbound from Baltimore to Colombo."
Maryland state Governor Wes Moore stated that the ship had lost power before the collision. He took to social media platform X, noting that his office is in communication with the US Transportation secretary and fire emergency personnel to coordinate response efforts.
I'm here in Baltimore with local leaders and first responders after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge to coordinate our response and speak to the people of Maryland.https://t.co/IK9Y7gn6f1
— Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) March 26, 2024
Patapsco River Baltimore Port authorities have suspended vessel traffic in and out of the port until further notice.
“At this time, we do not know how long vessel traffic will be suspended. As soon as that is determined, we will provide an update," port authorities posted on X.
— Port of Baltimore (@portofbalt) March 26, 2024
Brandon Scott, mayor of Baltimore, has also declared a local state of emergency in response to the collapse of the Key Bridge. “Our teams are mobilizing resources and working swiftly to address this crisis and ensure the safety and well-being of our community,” he posted on X.
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