Indian Crew of MV Dali Ship Remain Stranded in Baltimore 35 Days After the Key Bridge Collapse

The 20 Indian Crew Members of the MV Dali Container Ship have remained on board the ship since the unfateful day when the vessel rammed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, leading to the death of 6 workers.

If the accident had not happened, the Crew Members would be in Colombo now, and the 50-year-old bridge would still serve thousands of people. The debris of the fallen bridge blocked the way for all vessels, and many were stuck for days.

Several agencies in the United States are investigating the incident, and the ship’s crew members are onboard, as instructed.

FBI began a criminal investigation into the accident, and others like the National Transportation Safety Board and the Coast Guard’s Marine Board of Investigation are also conducting their inquiries.

The accident received worldwide attention, and U.S President Joe Biden promised to help reconstruct the bridge.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson of Grace Ocean, owner of the MV Dali Ship, confirmed that the crew had been onboard the vessel for 33 days and are being represented by the company’s representatives, the Indian Embassy and the Seaman’s Church Institute.

The crew is well and is conducting their duties. They also help with the investigation, including the salvage. They also received mental health counselling from specialists within the maritime sector. The psychologists offered them individual and confidential counselling just after the accident.

However, a request for an interview with them was turned down.

They might remain on the vessel for weeks or months. Once they are allowed to return, junior crew members will be prioritised over the seniors. The vessel is still in the waters as clean-up is ongoing, including cutting parts of the bridge that lie across its bow.

Per sources, the ship will be refloated on May 10 and docked until investigations conclude.

The company allowed them to use the vessel’s satellite communications system to connect with their respective families.

References: Bhaskarlive, ap7am

Indian Crew of MV Dali Ship Remain Stranded in Baltimore 35 Days After the Key Bridge Collapse appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News