Salvage crews are getting ready to use explosives in order to separate the Dali container ship and the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. This comes after more than a month since the bridge collapsed.
According to NBC News, Unified Command Petty Officer Ronald Hodges stated that precision explosive charges will be utilized to free the portions of the bridge that are trapped on top of containers on the ship.
When the explosives are detonated, the ship’s crew, who have been on board since the initial crash, will take shelter in place.
Hodge’s emphasized that the “unified command prioritized their safety above all else.” They also stressed that the safety of the salvage crew members continues to be of utmost importance.
According to Governor Wes Moore (D), the crew members of the ship choose to stay on board because they are implementing “best practices and historic best practices” for removing large amounts of steel.
According to WBAL TV, the speaker stated that once the precision cutting operation is complete, they have the necessary tools to safely remove the steel from the water, refloat the Dali, and reopen the federal channel.
According to a spokesperson for the ship’s owners, safety is of utmost importance to everyone involved. The company has been informed about the plan, and its representatives will be present at the site to ensure safety measures are implemented.
According to spokesperson Darrell Wilson, some of the most knowledgeable experts in the salvage community are currently in Baltimore, actively involved in the response efforts.
Just days after the collapse, crews initiated the process of cutting and removing the first piece of wreckage from the bridge.
According to NBC News, the explosive process is anticipated to last for several days, with its duration relying on the weather conditions. Hodges stated that every possible measure will be taken to minimize any additional harm.
The Dali lost power on March 26, but it managed to issue a mayday call just in time. Thanks to this call, the police were able to quickly halt traffic right before the crash occurred.
