Thursday, April 11, 2024
BALTIMORE – The Unified Command continues to remove containers onboard M/V Dali and clear bridge wreckage at the Key Bridge incident site, Wednesday.
Salvors continue to remove 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.
Contracted salvors continue to remove bridge wreckage and debris from the Patapsco River in the Wake of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, April 11, 2024. Efforts continue to reopen the main shipping channel.
(U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Himes)
As of April 11, approximately 38 containers have been removed. 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 enabling the ship’s movement.
In parallel, wreckage and debris removal continued at the site, including breaking up of submerged roadbed from span 19, and the removal of a section of span 17. The rubble and debris have been taken to Sparrows Point, Maryland for processing and recycling. While marine traffic is still limited, 69 vessels have transited through since the creation of the temporary alternate channels.
Contracted Salvors remove crushed gravel from submerged portions of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, April 10, 2024. The transfer of containers and removal of wreckage will continue in the coming days, as weather permits.
(U.S. Coast Guard video by Auxilliarist Hector Corrales)
“There has been incredible progress this week towards our goal to open the limited access deep draft channel,” said Col. Estee Pinchasin, commander, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, Unified Command. “Our amazing team of local, state, federal and community responders remain focused on the safe and efficient removal of debris and wreckage from the federal channel and waterway.”
Contracted salvors continue to remove bridge wreckage and debris from the Patapsco River in the Wake of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, April 11, 2024. Efforts continue to reopen the main shipping channel.
(U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Himes)
The public is reminded that the Unified Command continues to maintain a 2000-yard maritime Safety Zone around the incident site. The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been updated as of April 9. The TFR extends for two nautical miles in radius from the center of the bridge and from the surface up to and including 1500 feet above ground level (AGL).
There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any UAS/drone use anywhere within the “No Drone Zone” established by the FAA. Anyone who attempts to fly a UAS/drone in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment.
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
Salvage and wreckage removal crews continue operations on the collapsed Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, April 10, 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is on-goin in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo by Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class Lauren Steenson)
Salvage crews from the Key Bridge Response Unified Command remove wreckage from the collapsed bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, April 8, 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is on-going in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open to the Fort McHenry Channel. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo by Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class Lauren Steenson)
Salvage and wreckage removal crews continue operations on the collapsed Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, April 10, 2024. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and responders, account for missing persons and safely restore transportation. (Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command photo by Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class Lauren Steenson)
Contracted salvors continue to remove bridge wreckage from the Patapsco River in efforts to reopen the shipping channel in Baltimore, April 10, 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is on-going in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry channel.
(U.S. Coast Guard courtesy asset)
Contracted salvors continue to remove bridge wreckage from the Patapsco River in efforts to reopen the shipping channel in Baltimore, April 10, 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is on-going in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry channel.
(U.S. Coast Guard courtesy asset)
Contracted salvors continue to remove bridge wreckage from the Patapsco River in efforts to reopen the shipping channel in Baltimore, April 10, 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is on-going in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry channel.
(U.S. Coast Guard courtesy asset)