The Indian Embassy in the United States expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident that occurred in Baltimore, where a cargo ship operated by a 22-member Indian crew collided with and caused significant damage to a crucial bridge. This accident potentially resulted in the loss of six lives and brought operations at one of the Northeast's vital ports to a standstill.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, spanning over 2.6 kilometers, collapsed when the container ship, flagged from Singapore under the name 'Dali,' collided with one of its supports in the early hours of Tuesday. According to officials, the ship encountered a "power issue" and issued a distress call moments before the collision.
US President Joe Biden acknowledged that the timely alert from the ship's crew played a crucial role in preventing further casualties. The crew managed to notify the Maryland Department of Transportation about their loss of control over the vessel, leading to the closure of the bridge before the collision occurred.
Expressing condolences, the Indian Embassy announced the establishment of a dedicated hotline for Indian citizens affected by or in need of assistance due to the tragic incident. Efforts are underway to gather information about the crew of the vessel.
Synergy Marine Group, the ship's management company, confirmed that all 22 crew members, comprising entirely of Indians, and two pilots were safe with no reported injuries or pollution resulting from the collision.
Authorities revealed that among the individuals missing after the bridge collapse, some were Mexican nationals and two were from Guatemala. Rescue operations were conducted after the collision, but due to various factors including the time elapsed and water temperature, the US Coast Guard suspended active search and rescue efforts.
President Biden pledged federal support for the emergency response and emphasized that initial investigations indicated the incident was a tragic accident with no indication of intentional harm.
The cargo ship, owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd, was en route from Baltimore to Colombo and had a capacity of 10,000 TEU. President Biden highlighted the importance of the Port of Baltimore in national trade, emphasizing its role in automobile imports and exports and its impact on regional employment.
Efforts are underway to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge promptly, with President Biden directing resources to expedite the process. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, named after the author of the US national anthem, is a critical artery for the Northeast's economy and transportation network.
Authorities confirmed that there was no evidence linking the bridge collapse to terrorism, and investigations into the incident are ongoing. Governor Wes Moore praised the actions of those who responded to the mayday call, underscoring their role in preventing further tragedy.
In the aftermath of the collapse, over 1,000 personnel from the US Army Corps of Engineers are mobilized to assist in clearing the bridge debris and restoring the federal shipping channel, collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies to address the aftermath of this unfortunate event.
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