The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is mobilizing a significant force of over 1,100 personnel to assist in the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse into Baltimore’s Patapsco River. This response comes following the tragic incident early Tuesday morning, which saw the bridge crumble seconds after being struck by the cargo ship Dali, owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd.
The Corps’ Baltimore District has activated its Emergency Operations Center, enabling a deployment of engineering, construction, contracting, and operations experts to support local, state, and federal agencies in the clearance efforts. The collapse tragically resulted in multiple casualties, with six individuals missing and presumed deceased after their vehicles and construction equipment plunged into the river.
This disaster is expected to have far-reaching economic ramifications for Baltimore, a vital port city heavily reliant on imports and exports. With vessel traffic suspended indefinitely, the flow of goods has been disrupted, impacting industries ranging from automotive to food and coal exports.
President Biden has assured Baltimore of comprehensive federal assistance in the recovery process, emphasizing a collective effort to rebuild the port infrastructure. The Army Corps of Engineers will spearhead the removal of bridge debris from the river, utilizing specialized vessels such as the Reynolds and the survey vessel Catlett to assess the damage.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard, initially involved in search-and-rescue operations, will lead the investigation into the accident and oversee pollution response measures. As Baltimore grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, a concerted effort involving multiple agencies aims to mitigate the impacts and facilitate the city’s recovery.
