As the investigation progressed, Vice Admiral Peter Gautier, Deputy Commandant for Operations for the US Coast Guard, emphasized the cooperation of the crew, primarily consisting of Indian and Sri Lankan members, with the authorities’ requirements.
Vice Admiral Peter Gautier reiterated that the crew members remain on board and are actively participating in the ongoing dialogue and investigation process. “The crew is cooperating with what we need. They remain on board and are predominantly an Indian crew, with one Sri Lankan crew member on board. They’re still there and very much engaged in the dialogue and the investigation,” he stated.
The incident occurred when a Singapore-flagged vessel collided with one of the pillars of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland, resulting in its collapse on Tuesday. The 948-foot container ship struck the four-lane bridge in the US port of Baltimore.
US President Joe Biden commended the swift action taken by personnel aboard the cargo ship ‘Dali’, which collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, leading to the bridge’s collapse into the river below and causing several people and vehicles to fall into the water.
In a statement, the shipping company Synergy Maritime Group, which managed the Singapore-flagged freight ship, confirmed that the entire 22-member crew onboard are Indian nationals.
The crew members were able to alert the Maryland Department of Transportation when they lost control of their vessel, prompting local authorities to close the bridge to traffic before the catastrophic impact. President Biden praised this proactive measure during his remarks at the White House regarding the Baltimore bridge collapse, stating that it “undoubtedly” saved lives.
Maryland state police reported that six individuals who were missing following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge are presumed dead. President Biden provided updates during his statement, mentioning that eight people were initially unaccounted for, with two individuals rescued— one without injury and one in critical condition. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing for those still missing.
Biden also highlighted the significance of the Port of Baltimore as one of the nation’s largest shipping hubs. He noted that the port handled a record volume of cargo last year and is the leading port in the United States for both imports and exports of automobiles and light trucks. Approximately 850,000 vehicles pass through the port annually, and efforts are underway to restore operations as swiftly as possible.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of the crew, along with the prompt response from authorities, have been pivotal in managing the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The ongoing investigation will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident, while rescue operations continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of those affected.
