Biden Credits Indian Crew For Alerting Authorities Before Baltimore Bridge Collapse
Defense News ,US:- In Washington, President Joe Biden praised the quick thinking and bravery of the 22-member Indian crew aboard a cargo ship that prevented a major disaster by alerting authorities before a crucial bridge collapsed.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, stretching over 2.6 kilometers, collapsed early Tuesday morning after a container ship with an all-Indian crew collided with one of its supports. This incident resulted in potential casualties, with six people feared dead and severe disruptions in one of the northeast US's vital ports.
Reports indicated that the Singapore-flagged ship named 'Dali' encountered a "power issue" and sent out a distress call just moments before the collision.
During a statement at the White House, President Biden commended the crew's actions, emphasizing that their timely alert enabled authorities to close the bridge, undoubtedly saving lives.
Biden stressed that current evidence suggests the incident was a tragic accident and that there are no indications of deliberate wrongdoing.
According to a representative from the American Pilots Association, the ship experienced a complete blackout just before hitting the bridge.
Clay Diamond, the executive director and general counsel of the American Pilots Association, stated that minutes before the collision, the ship lost both engine and electrical power, leaving it in total darkness. Despite efforts by the pilot to slow down and steer away from the bridge, the situation escalated rapidly, leaving little time for effective action.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore confirmed that the ship's crew had notified authorities about the power issue, allowing them to halt traffic on the bridge. This prompt action was crucial in preventing further casualties.
The cargo ship, owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd, was en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Synergy Marine Group, the ship's management company, confirmed that all 22 crew members were Indian nationals. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the crew, including the two American pilots.
Following the bridge collapse, two individuals were rescued from the water, while six construction workers remained missing. Rescue efforts continued throughout the day, but the US Coast Guard eventually suspended operations due to slim chances of finding survivors among the missing workers.
Among the missing workers, some were identified as Mexican nationals, according to Rafael Laveaga, Chief of the Consular Section of Mexico's Embassy in Washington. Additionally, two workers were from Guatemala, as confirmed by the country's foreign ministry.
Despite the tragic outcome, the coordinated efforts of the cargo ship crew and authorities prevented further loss of life. President Biden's acknowledgment of their heroic actions underscores the importance of swift response and cooperation in averting disasters.
