The Baltimore bridge collapsed when a cargo ship crashed into it. President Joe Biden promised that the government will cover the entire cost of rebuilding the bridge. Six people were missing after the collision, and officials fear they may have died. Search efforts were halted for the day and will resume tomorrow. The ship, named ‘Dali,’ was from Singapore and had 22 Indians crew members on boards.
“Based on the length of time that we’ve gone in this search… (and) the water temperature… at this point we do not believe that we’re going to find any of these individuals still alive,” news agency AP quoted Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath a saying.
US President Biden says, ‘Eight people unaccounted for’
During a press conference, US President Joe Biden provided updates on the incident, stating, “Officials at the scene estimate that eight people were unaccounted for. That number might change. Two rescuers have saved two individuals, one uninjured and the other in critical condition, and the search and rescue operation is ongoing for all remaining individuals as we speak. Everything so far suggests that this was a terrible accident.”
He added, “At this time, we have no other indication, no other reason to believe there’s any intentional act here. Our prayers go out to everyone involved in this terrible accident and all the families, especially those awaiting news of their loved ones right now. I know every minute in that circumstance feels like a lifetime. We’re incredibly grateful for the brave rescuers who immediately rushed to the scene and to the people of Baltimore.”
Ernie Thrasher, chief executive officer of Xcoal Energy & Resources LLC, told Bloomberg that the Baltimore bridge is likely to shut down the port’s coal exports for as many as six weeks and block the transport of up to 2.5 million tons of coal. The US exported about 74 million tons of coal last year, with Baltimore the second-largest terminal for the commodity.
Earlier, the shipping company, Synergy Maritime Group, said in a statement that there were 22 Indians on board.
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