By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Political Writer
Tmcqueen@afro.com
With the aid of five tugboats, the Dali cargo ship was moved to the Seagirt Marine Terminal on the morning of May 20, about 2.5 miles away from where it struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26.
“Early yesterday morning, Unified Command, salvers, first-responders and the ship’s crew worked in tandem to re-float the Dali ship. This is an absolutely critical step in fully reopening the full federal channel and restoring full access to the entirety of the Port of Baltimore,” said Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott, in a statement on May 21. “As we move closer to fully accomplishing our goal of fully reopening the port and rebuilding the bridge, we continue to stand committed to accomplishing this work in partnership. We will continue to diligently prioritize the needs of those most impacted as we move forward on the work still left ahead.”
The Unified Command includes the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Transportation Authority, the Maryland State Police and Witt O’Brien’s, a risk management company, representing Dali manager Synergy Marine.
Refloating and moving the cargo ship involved removing obstructions via small detonation charges and precise cutting of the steel wreckage, pumping water out the ship and releasing lines that were stabilizing the Dali.
“Exactly eight weeks ago today, we were gathered right here at MDTA (Maryland Transportation Authority) headquarters,” said Moore on May 21 to members of the media at a press conference . “We came together to stand up our response– our collective response–to the Key Bridge collapse.”
On Monday morning, much more than just the ship was moved. For the first time in over a month, the crew members on board the Dali will have an opportunity to put their feet on dry land.
“Now that we have the ship refloated, they are now going to have the opportunity to have time off of the ship,” said Moore, when asked when the crew members may get off the ship and return home.
Moore said the Dali is expected to remain in Baltimore for another four to six weeks.
“We still have roadway from the Key Bridge that is still sitting on top of the Dali. There’s still going to be a process to fully clear the Dali allow it to make its final journey to the Port of Norfolk,” continued Moore. “In order to do that, we know that not only is it going to take a little time, but also the support of the workers.”
This milestone opens up the waterway for deep-draft commercial vessels to move in and out of the Port of Baltimore.
“Over the next week, we expect another 20 vessels and barges to come through the port’s public terminals,” said Moore.
The Unified Command said that any remaining bridge wreckage will be removed from the waterway as they work to fully reopen the full federal channel by the end of May.
Moore emphasized that though the Unified Command has made much progress they are not finished.
“Completion means opening the full 700-foot wide, 50-foot deep channel,” said Moore. “Completion means coming together again to celebrate the reopening of the new Francis Scott Key Bridge.”
Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.
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