Search resumes for victims in Baltimore

Jessica Dill
·3 min read
4

BALTIMORE (WJW)- The water search will resume this morning for the six victims of Baltimore’s tragic Francis Scott Key bridge collapse. All six people are now presumed dead.

Search crews were scheduled to start looking for the victims again at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Tuesday night the search was called off when conditions became too dangerous for divers.

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Officials said the bridge collapse, caused by a cargo ship that happened early Tuesday morning, appears to be an accident. They report a power issue on the ship may be to blame as it lost power moments before it struck the bridge.

  • This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows a view of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that was struck by a container ship in Baltimore, Md., on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The container ship lost power and rammed into the major bridge causing the span to buckle into the river below. (Maxaar Technologies via AP)
    This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows a view of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that was struck by a container ship in Baltimore, Md., on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The container ship lost power and rammed into the major bridge causing the span to buckle into the river below. (Maxaar Technologies via AP)
  • A container ship rests against wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge as night falls on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, as seen from Sparrows Point, Md. The ship rammed into the major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing it to collapse in a matter of seconds and creating a terrifying scene as several vehicles plunged into the chilly river below. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
  • A Coast Guard cutter passes a cargo ship that is stuck under the part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after the ship his the bridge Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Baltimore, Md. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
    A Coast Guard cutter passes a cargo ship that is stuck under the part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after the ship his the bridge Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Baltimore, Md. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

The National Transportation Safety Board chair said they are in contact with officials in Singapore —  where the vessel is from. Personnel from the country will be on the scene Wednesday.

There was a mayday warning call over the radio that the ship lost steering capabilities and was headed toward the bridge. Within 90 seconds police officers responded and managed to stop vehicle traffic over the bridge in both directions. An officer was about to drive onto the bridge to alert a construction crew but it was too late, the vessel smashed into the pillar. Eight people from that crew who were filling potholes went into the water. Two of them survived.

Watch: Bystander films Baltimore bridge collapse

Many are now concerned about the economic impact on the area and the entire country. The Port of Baltimore is the ninth busiest port in the country, handling massive shipments of cars and farming supplies as well as serving as a terminal for major cruise lines.

President Biden said the federal government will help fund the rebuilding process.

The Transportation Secretary has promised support to help the flow of goods.

“Our Maritime Administration will help with Port Harbor and supply chain operations,” said Pete Buttigieg. “Our Federal Highway Administration will assist when it comes to the bridge itself, and any ways that we can help ease roadway congestion.”

With ship traffic in and out of the port of Baltimore suspended indefinitely, cargo companies are now trying to figure out how to reroute hundreds of vessels.

As for the victims, they are from Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. Many of them leave behind spouses and children. Their coworkers said the crew was on a break at the time and some were sitting in their trucks when the bridge was hit.

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