BALTIMORE — The 948-foot cargo ship Dali was stuck in the Patapsco River for weeks after an accident. Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsedIt reportedly resurfaced on Monday morning. US Army Corps of Engineers.
This is a major milestone in efforts to salvage disaster debris and restore access to the crippled Port of Baltimore. Tugboats escorted the ship to a local terminal.
US Army Corps of Engineers
The milestone comes nearly eight weeks after a disabled ship crashed into the bridge, causing it to collapse. kill 6 people Construction crews blocked the port and destroyed a section of Interstate 695.
The Unified Command, a multi-agency effort in the Key Bridge response, said its priority is to restore the full depth and width of the Fort McHenry Channel and allow for pre-collapse traffic patterns in and out of the port. Ta. The team intends to complete it by the end of May.
How did the ship float?
The process of refloating the ship and the salvage operation was delicate and dangerous. giant floating crane to move debris, move shipping containers, and explosives To move a lot of broken steel and roads.
Joint Command began preparations for the refloating operation Sunday afternoon in time for high tide early Monday morning.
“The refloating and transport sequence was intentionally designed to allow all response personnel around the Dali to maintain control of the vessel, from refloating to transport to the local marine terminal and berthing. “The Unified Command said on Saturday.
Preparations include releasing the anchor, removing the ship’s ballast and conducting a detailed inspection for obstructions.
Dali arrives at Sea Girt Marine Terminal
The relocation of the ship, which is about the length of three football fields, brings the Unified Forces closer to reopening the federal water system.
The ship travels at a speed of 1 mile per hour, Head to Sea Girt Marine Terminal.
A giant hydraulic claw makes this possible by removing bridge debris embedded in the Patapsco River bed.
At the local terminal, any debris left on the ship is offloaded and taken to Sparrows Point for recycling or disposal.
Dali’s 22 crew members have remained on the ship since the March 26 accident and will remain on board during the transit. The crew members do not have the necessary visas to disembark, so they are relying on organizations to bring in essential supplies, media partner The Baltimore Banner reported.
It is not immediately clear whether or when the disabled ship will be able to sail again and leave the Port of Baltimore.
Investigation is ongoing and litigation has begun
Since the collapse, F.B.I. and NTSB The city of Baltimore has launched a separate investigation into the incident, the city announced. lawsuit Alleging negligence against the owner and manager of the cargo ship.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown was approved last week to contract with five outside law firms to assist with bankruptcy litigation.
Officials said the Dali lost power several times before leaving the Port of Baltimore and crashing into the Key Bridge. breaking news The National Transportation Safety Board made the announcement last week.
The lawsuit alleges that the Dali’s Singapore-based owners were negligent in allowing the ship to leave the Port of Baltimore without resolving known power issues.
A final NTSB report with conclusions and safety recommendations is expected within one to two years. You can read the NTSB’s full preliminary report here.
