(BALTIMORE) — Salvage crews are preparing to remove the debris lying on top of the containership Dali, which struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, causing it to collapse. The operation requires careful handling of roadbed material, crushed containers and bridge fragments resting on the ship’s bow.
“The complexities of this next phase of operations require thorough preparation, strategic planning and specialized expertise,” said Capt. David O’Connell, federal on-scene coordinator, Key Bridge Unified Command. “We have the right team making this work happen in the safest and most efficient way possible.”
Specialized equipment has been employed to closely monitor the positioning and movement of Dali and the bridge wreckage in contact with it. Teams have strategically removed 182 containers from the ship to facilitate the removal of the piece of steel structure, referred to as section four.
The Key Bridge Unified Command remains committed to restoring full access to the Fort McHenry Channel as swiftly and safely as possible and is providing updates regularly.
The public is reminded that the Unified Command continues to maintain a 2,000-yard maritime safety zone around the incident site. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the zone without obtaining permission from the captain of the port or a designated representative.
A temporary flight restriction extends for 2 nautical miles in radius from the center of the bridge, and from the surface up to and including 1,500 feet above ground level.
There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any unmanned aircraft system (UAS)/drone use anywhere within the “no drone zone” established by the Federal Aviation Administration. Anyone who attempts to fly a UAS/drone in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines and/or imprisonment.
– Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command
