The salvage teams working on removing the collapsed span of the bridge in Baltimore have been using cranes to cut steel pieces in preparation for removal. However, to accelerate the process and minimize risk to the crew members working under tough conditions, authorities have decided to use explosives. According to Hodges, this method is not only safer but also much faster than the current process.
The spokesperson for the Dali ship’s owners, Darrell Wilson, emphasized that safety is everyone’s top priority and that they trust the experts’ assessment and plan. He mentioned that some of the best experts in the salvage community are currently working in Baltimore on this response. This latest development comes after salvage teams located the remains of the final missing victim of the collapse, José Mynor López, on Tuesday, bringing some closure to the loved ones of the six workers who lost their lives in the tragic event.
The precision explosive method of extricating the ship from the wreckage is expected to be a multiday process, with the timeline dependent on cooperative weather conditions. The Port of Baltimore announced that the Fort McHenry limited access channel would be reopened around May 10 following the removal of the Dali vessel. Hodges reassured that officials are taking every precaution to prevent further damage, and any potential impacts will be analyzed before the vessel is refloated from the water.
Hodges mentioned that the process of using explosives to remove the wreckage is similar to the one used in demolishing the Gov. Harry W. Nice Bridge in 2023. This method is not only effective in ensuring the safe removal of the ship but also in minimizing the risk to the crew members involved in the salvage process. The teams working on the site understand the importance of safety and are working diligently to ensure that the process is carried out smoothly and efficiently.
The use of explosives in the salvage operation is part of the efforts to expedite the removal of the collapsed span and allow for the reopening of the limited access channel at the Port of Baltimore. Authorities are working closely with experts in the field to ensure that the process is carried out with utmost care and precision. The recovery efforts following the tragic event have been challenging, but the discovery of José Mynor López’s remains marked a significant milestone in providing closure to the families of the victims.
Overall, the decision to use explosives in salvaging the ship from the wreckage in Baltimore is a strategic one aimed at expediting the process while ensuring the safety of the crew members involved. The collaborative efforts between authorities, experts, and salvage teams are crucial in carrying out the operation efficiently and effectively. The process is expected to be a multiday operation, with the timeline dependent on various factors like weather conditions. The priority remains on safety and mitigating any potential risks involved in the salvage operation.
