The body of the sixth and final victim of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore was recovered from the Patapsco River on Tuesday. The victim, identified as José Mynor López, was one of six construction workers who were presumed dead after the incident occurred in late March. Recovery efforts were delayed due to the length of time it took to locate and retrieve the bodies and the cold temperature of the river. Crews have been working for six weeks to clear debris and wreckage from the site of the collapse.
Salvage teams are now preparing to remove a large piece of the bridge that is laying across the bow of the cargo ship involved in the incident. This process will be complex due to crushed containers, hull damage, and weight shifts that need to be considered during the removal and refloating operation of the ship. Additionally, portions of one of the bridge’s spans that are in contact with the cargo ship are also being removed. The safety of the salvage crew members remains a top priority during the wreckage operations.
Authorities are aiming to refloat the cargo ship by Friday and reopen the Fort McHenry Channel later this month. The bridge collapse was triggered by the cargo ship, Dali, striking one of its support beams after experiencing a loss of power and steering problems. The collision impacted 15,000 workers’ jobs and 500 local businesses. Impacted businesses have been able to apply for long-term, low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration to help cover expenses.
The recovery of the final victim and the ongoing efforts to clear debris and remove the bridge piece from the cargo ship are crucial steps in the aftermath of the bridge collapse. Authorities are working to ensure the safety of the salvage crew members and the successful refloating of the cargo ship. Businesses affected by the incident have access to federal disaster loans to help alleviate financial strain. The reopening of the Fort McHenry Channel will also be a significant milestone in the recovery process for the Port of Baltimore.
In conclusion, the recovery of the final victim from the Key Bridge collapse marks an important moment in the tragic incident. Salvage teams are working diligently to remove wreckage and clear the site, with a focus on the safety of crew members. The impact on local businesses has been significant, but federal assistance is available to help alleviate the economic strain. The reopening of the Fort McHenry Channel will signal progress in restoring normal operations for the Port of Baltimore.