Delayed Demolition of Collapsed Bridge Prompts Crew Isolation and Anxiety for Stranded Ship Crews

The planned demolition of a significant section of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, which caused a cargo ship called the Dali to capsize almost seven weeks ago, has been postponed twice due to unfavourable weather conditions, including thunderstorms. Initially scheduled for Saturday, the demolition has now been moved to 5 pm Eastern Time on Monday, following the approval of the Coast Guard. The removal of the wreckage is essential to clear the way for the Dali, which struck a support column of the bridge in late March, killing six construction workers and causing serious damage to the transportation system. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has arranged a hearing for Wednesday, during which testimony from senior officials, such as the Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, will be presented. During the demolition process, which is scheduled to take place on Monday, the 21-member crew of the Dali will remain on board the ship, which is currently anchored close to the site. The procedure involves breaking down the affected structure using small explosive devices. Although the operation is anticipated to produce multiple bursts of smoke and make a loud noise reminiscent of fireworks, nearby populations have been informed through cellular alerts. Nonetheless, some people in the maritime sector are worried about the well-being of the Dali’s crew, who have been stranded aboard the ship for an extended period. According to Reverend Josh Messick, the Executive Director of the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Centre, while the crew is being adequately cared for, they feel isolated from the outside world. Hotspot devices provided by Messick’s organisation enable the seafarers to connect to the internet, but they cannot use their mobile phones because they were seized as part of the probe. “They’re a bit anxious because of the cellphone situation,” Messick explained. “We’re attempting to restore their cellphones to them.” He continued, “It’s not just a phone; they can’t access their online banking, their finances, their contacts, or look at images of their loved ones before they go to bed at night. It’s much more than simply a telephone.”