Saturday, April 6, 2024
BALTIMORE – The Unified Command continued salvage operations at the Key Bridge incident. Progress included the removal of a 156-ton piece of Span 19 outside of the navigational channel, which was hoisted and loaded onto a barge for future disposal.
Traffic through the alternate channels, while still limited, is gradually increasing, with 10 vessels transiting since yesterday.
Debris removed from the Patapsco River is loaded onto a barge for removal by response personnel. The Unified Command is working to restore flow of critical commerce in and out of Baltimore. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo by Dylan Burnell, USACE.)
“The Unified Command was quickly stood up and has been making progress every day since this incident took place,” said Coast Guard Capt. David O’Connell, federal on-scene coordinator, Unified Command. “Support from federal, state, local authorities, and the public has been indispensable. We are deeply grateful for these partnerships, which have been critical every step of the way.”
The Unified Command emphasizes that safety remains their top priority throughout the operation. All measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the divers and personnel involved in the assessment process.
The current 2,000-yard safety zone around the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. Members of the public may not enter the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) or designated representative. Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP or designated representative.
The COTP issued a Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM) via VHF-FM marine channel 16. Mariners are requested to monitor channel 16 for the latest information.
A Debris Reporting Hotline has been established. If the public encounters any debris from the incident, please contact +1 (410) 205-6625
The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command includes the:
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Maryland Department of the Environment
Maryland Transportation Authority
Maryland State Police
Witt O’Brien’s representing Synergy Marine
A website with incident response information can be found at the following URL:
For updated information on the status of the maritime transportation system visit the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland - National Capital Region Homeport page: https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/maryland-ncr
The media is requested to call the Joint Information Center at +1 (410) 631-8939 for interview response inquiries and interviews.
Resources are available for businesses and individuals impacted by the Port closure: Benefit Line for Port of Baltimore Workers: +1 (667) 930-5989
Disaster Loan Assistance: https://lending.sba.gov
The Unified Command’s operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, accountability of missing persons, safely restoring transportation infrastructure and commerce, protecting the environment, and supporting the investigation.
A salvage operator assesses debris as salvage operations continue in Baltimore on April 6, 2024. Response efforts are ongoing following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. (Key Bridge 2024 Unified Command photo by Dylan Burnell, USACE.)
Salvage operators assess damaged containers aboard the M/V Dali on April 6, 2024. The Unified Command is working to restore the flow of critical commerce in and out of Baltimore. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo by Dylan Burnell, USACE.)
Response personnel prepare debris from the Francis Scott Key Bridge for removal from the Patapsco River, April 6, 2024. The Unified Command is working to restore flow of critical commerce in and out of Baltimore. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo by Dylan Burnell, USACE.)
Salvors assemble cranes to aid salvage efforts on April 6, 2024, following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The Unified Command is working to restore flow of critical commerce in and out of Baltimore. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo by Dylan Burnell, USACE.)