Sunday, April 7, 2024
BALTIMORE – The Unified Command began to remove containers onboard M/V Dali at the Key Bridge incident site, Sunday.
Salvors removed containers from the M/V Dali as part of the effort to gain access to the portion of the Key Bridge that lies atop the ship. The transfer of containers from the M/V Dali will continue in the coming days, as weather permits. The media is invited to observe this operation on site and can request an embed by registering at Key Bridge Response JIC.
Container removal operations from M/V Dali begin at the Key Bridge Response 2024 in Baltimore, April 7, 2024. The container removal operations followed the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command video by U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Mikaela McGee)
In parallel, wreckage and debris removal continued at the site, including portions of Span 19 that were taken to Sparrows Point, Maryland. While marine traffic is still limited, one vessel has transited through in the last 24 hours, totalling 32 since the creation of the temporary alternate channels.
“The Unified Command is concurrently progressing on its main lines of effort to remove enough debris to open the channel to larger commercial traffic, refloat the M/V Dali and continue recovery efforts for missing loved ones,” said Coast Guard Capt. David O’Connell, federal on-scene coordinator, Unified Command. “Every day we are working to achieve these goals safely and efficiently.”
The removal of these containers is a critical step required to safely move the M/V Dali and eventually fully re-open the Fort McHenry Channel. Removing containers allows for safe access to then remove the pieces of the Key Bridge that lie across the ship’s bow, taking weight off the ship and ultimately allowing for the movement of the ship.
With recent incursions by Unmanned Aerial Systems (i.e. drones), the public is reminded that the Unified Command continues to maintain a 2000-yard maritime Safety Zone for recovery efforts and the Temporary Flight Restriction is a no fly-zone with a radius of three nautical miles from the surface, up to and including 1,500 feet above ground level also remains in effect.
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.
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:
A Debris Reporting Hotline has been established. If the public encounters any debris from the incident, please contact +1 (410) 205-6625
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
Response crews began removing shipping containers using a floating crane barge at the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on April 7, 2024. The Unified Command is continuing efforts in support of removing the M/V Dali, which is required to fully re-open the Fort McHenry Channel. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo.)
A specialized salvage climber scales a container to survey damage to containers onboard the M/V DALI in Baltimore on April 6, 2024. The Unified Command is continuing efforts to remove the M/V Dali, which is required to fully re-open the Fort McHenry Channel.
(Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo.)
Response crews began removing shipping containers using a floating crane barge at the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on April 7, 2024. The Unified Command is continuing efforts in support of removing the M/V Dali, which is required to fully re-open the Fort McHenry Channel. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo.)
Response crews began removing shipping containers using a floating crane barge at the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on April 7, 2024. The Unified Command is continuing efforts in support of removing the M/V Dali, which is required to fully re-open the Fort McHenry Channel. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo.)
Response crews began removing shipping containers using a floating crane barge at the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on April 7, 2024. The Unified Command is continuing efforts in support of removing the M/V Dali, which is required to fully re-open the Fort McHenry Channel. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo.)
Crews operating with the Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command assess debris removed from the incident site of the Key Bridge collision at Sparrows Point in Baltimore, April 7, 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is on-going in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry channel. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo by U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Erin Cox)
Salvage crews operating with the Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command move a section of Francis Scott Key Bridge to Sparrows Point in Baltimore, April 7, 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is on-going in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry channel. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo by U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Erin Cox)