The hull of the container ship named Dali, which struck a bridge in Maryland and caused its collapse, remained structurally sound despite the incident. Governor Wes Moore conveyed this assessment during a press briefing, citing updates from the Unified Command. The initial briefing clarified that while some parts of the damaged bridge would need careful cutting and removal, the vessel itself did not suffer catastrophic breaches in its hull. This distinction is important because it informs the ongoing assessment of containment and safety around the wreck site, as reported by RIA News.
Officials outlined the first phase of the response, focusing on accessing and removing the waterlogged components of the bridge that failed in the northern portion of the impacted span. By clearing these pieces, authorities aim to create a temporary, restricted navigation channel that would allow additional ships to bypass the wreck while maintaining safety for crews and passengers on nearby waterways. The approach prioritizes rapid restoration of mobility for maritime traffic while the site undergoes stabilization.
Governor Moore noted that the work would take time. As engineers and responders continue their assessments, more tugboats and barges are expected to arrive to accelerate the process of stabilizing the wreck, de-watering affected sections, and preparing for the next stages of restoration. He emphasized that a measured, methodical effort would reduce risk and support a safer, quicker return to normal traffic patterns on the waterway.
At the scene, a sizable workforce—hundreds of professionals and specialists—has been deployed. Current operations include the use of heavy cranes capable of lifting bridge sections weighing up to several thousand tonnes. The scale of the task reflects the bridge’s significance as a vital corridor for Baltimore and the surrounding region, and the careful coordination required to manage the recovery without compromising nearby infrastructure and waterways.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a critical roadway link in Baltimore City, collapsed on March 26 after being struck by the Dali container ship. The incident prompted a coordinated emergency response involving state agencies, federal partners, and private contractors, all aimed at rapidly assessing damage, securing the area, and planning for eventual reconstruction. As officials continued to communicate with the public, the overarching objective remained clear: restore safe passage and rebuild the affected span with attention to long-term resilience. The situation required close monitoring of weather, tides, and marine traffic to ensure that the response adapted to changing conditions, and updates were provided as new information became available.
Earlier updates indicated that remedial measures would be pursued in stages, with an emphasis on stabilizing the shattered structure and preparing it for future rehabilitation. In addition, it was reported that the federal administration had allocated funds to support the initial restoration costs in Maryland, signaling intergovernmental cooperation to expedite relief and recovery efforts. These allocations were described as the first tranche intended to cover essential equipment, personnel, and logistical needs as the project advanced. The ongoing coordination among federal, state, and local authorities reflected a shared commitment to restoring the bridge’s vital function and supporting communities that rely on it for daily transit and commerce, while ensuring safety protocols remain at the forefront of all activities, as noted in the latest briefings (RIA News).