Six individuals are missing and presumed dead following a tragic incident in which a container ship collided with the iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, USA, resulting in its collapse.
The Coast Guard has halted its search efforts and initiated a recovery operation. The 2.6km (1.6 miles) long bridge was destroyed when the vessel struck a support.
Authorities reported that the ship experienced a “power issue” and issued a distress call just before the collision.
Despite a massive search and rescue operation involving boats and helicopters, only two individuals were rescued from the water, with one in serious condition.
Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath of the US Coast Guard stated that the six missing individuals are presumed dead based on the water temperature and the length of time they have been submerged.
The missing individuals were part of a construction crew working on pothole repairs when the bridge collapsed.
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the incident, with transportation safety experts planning to board the ship to retrieve its data recorder.
The Singapore-flagged container ship, Dali, struck a support column on the 47-year-old bridge at 01:30 (05:30 GMT) while en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, from Port Breeze.
A federal government agency reported that the vessel experienced a “loss of propulsion” as it left the port and subsequently alerted Maryland transport officials about the potential collision.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore confirmed that the crew had notified authorities of a power issue, leading to the ship losing power and colliding with a support column.
Several vehicles, including one the size of a tractor-trailer, fell into the water following the collapse.
Rescue efforts have been complicated by challenging tidal conditions and freezing temperatures, with air temperatures around 3C (37.4F) near the bridge.
The shipping company, Synergy Marine Group, stated that the ship was carrying 22 individuals, including an all-Indian crew and two local Baltimore port pilots, with no reports of injuries among them.
Port pilots are individuals with local expertise who assist in guiding ships in and out of ports.