Maersk, a leading shipping company, confirmed that the Dali ship, operated by Synergy Group, was chartered to transport cargo for its customers. Synergy reported that the ship collided with a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore while under pilotage with two pilots on board. Fortunately, all 22 crew members were safe and there was no injury or oil pollution.
The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation, with the owners and managers cooperating with government agencies. The National Transportation Safety Board is gathering information and sending a team to the site. Grace Ocean Private Ltd., the owner of the ship, did not comment immediately.
Families of bridge workers are awaiting updates, with senior administration officials offering federal assistance. The mayor of Baltimore expressed sympathy for those impacted by the incident and praised the first responders for their efforts.
The Key Bridge, built in 1977 and named after the author of the American national anthem, spans over 1.2 miles and is a crucial transportation route. The bridge sees heavy traffic, with over 31,000 vehicles crossing daily. The Port of Baltimore plays a significant role in the shipping industry on the East Coast, generating billions of dollars and employing thousands of people.
As Baltimore navigates through this tragedy, there is uncertainty about the future of the bridge. Engineering companies are assessing the situation, but it will be a long road ahead for recovery. Julia Jester reported from Baltimore, and Patrick Smith reported from London.
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