All 22 crew members aboard the container ship Dali, which brought down the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore on Tuesday are Indians, the ship’s managers said in a Press release Tuesday.
The major bridge in Baltimore snapped and collapsed after the Dali rammed into it early Tuesday, and several vehicles fell into the river below. Rescuers were searching for multiple people in the water.
The ‘Owners and managers of the Singapore-flagged container ship “DALI” (IMO 9697428) report that the vessel collided with one of the pillars of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore whilst under pilotage with two pilots onboard, at approximately 01 30 local time on 26th March,” the Synergy Group, which manages the ship, said in a press release. Tuesday afternoon. .
“All crew members, including the two pilots have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries. There has also been no pollution,” it said, adding that “Whilst the exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined, the ‘DALI’ has now mobilised its Qualified Individual Incident response service. The US Coast Guard and local officials have been notified, and the owners and managers are fully cooperating with Federal and State government agencies under an approved plan.”
Then under a section for vessel information, it said:
- Crew: All Indian, 22 in total
- Owner: Grace Ocean Private Ltd
- Movement: Outbound from Baltimore to Colombo
- Mayor declares Emergency
Brandon Scott, the mayor of Baltimore has declared a state of emergency in response to the bridge collapse, and issued an executive order Tuesday morning to deploy and expand emergency resources. The state of emergency will remain in place for 30 days and is subject to renewal or cancellation as conditions warrant.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it is launching a team to investigate the bridge collapse and will hold a media briefing later Tuesday.
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