Maryland Governor Wes Moore marked a significant milestone in the aftermath of the deadly collapse of a Baltimore bridge as a massive container ship, known as the Dali, was finally removed from the Patapsco River. The removal of the hulking vessel comes just under eight weeks after the tragic incident, but Governor Moore made it clear that there is still work to be done.
During a news conference, Governor Moore expressed his relief at no longer seeing the Dali looming over the river, but he emphasized that true mission completion would only come when the Francis Scott Key Bridge is rebuilt. The preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that the Dali experienced electrical blackouts before the crash, prompting a criminal investigation by the FBI.
Despite the challenges, over 500 commercial vessels have already navigated alternate channels to the Port of Baltimore in recent weeks. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath announced the opening of a 400-foot-wide channel for 24/7 operations, with plans to expand it to 700 feet by the end of the month. The focus now shifts to removing the remaining debris from the waterway.
Governor Moore commended the Unified Command for their swift and safe response, highlighting the recovery of all six victims’ bodies and the launch of support programs. He emphasized the importance of proactive change and credited the dedicated team for making it happen. As the cleanup efforts continue, the community remains united in their commitment to rebuilding and moving forward.