When the MV Dali crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the early AM on March 26th, it did so after losing and regaining power. Losing it again with thick black smoke pouring from the ship, they used the electricity and backups they had to radio out distress calls, reportedly to get the bridge as empty as they could. Later that morning, Governor Wes Moore spoke to the press about the incident. While largely dodging questions, he didn’t resist praising first responders.
“We can confirm that the crew notified authorities of a power issue…We had a ship that was coming in at eight knots, so coming in at a very rapid speed. We do know that the investigation is currently going on. But I have to say I am thankful for the folks that who, once the warning came up, the notification came up that there was a mayday, who literally by being able to stop cars from coming over the bridge, these people are heroes. They saved lives last night.”
Moore didn’t know then, but we know now that eight people were on the bridge repairing potholes. Of the eight, two were rescued rather quickly. One suffered major injuries and is in the hospital, the other was treated and released at the scene. Sadly, the other six are missing and presumed dead. As such, the mission has gone from “search and rescue” to “search and recovery.”
Unfortunately, given the conditions outside as well as the temperature of the water, the expectance of life following such an accident is very low and not very long lasting. The city, as well as the State of Maryland, spared no expense in the search, bringing in multiple dive and air search teams, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful.
