Topline
The body of the sixth and final victim of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse was recovered from the Patapsco River in Baltimore on Tuesday, according to a statement from authorities, who are preparing to remove a large piece of the bridge laying atop the cargo ship that struck the bridge more than a month ago.
Salvage efforts continue as workers make preparations to remove the wreckage of the Francis Scott ... [+]
Key Facts
The victim recovered from the river Tuesday was identified as José Mynor López, 37, of Baltimore.
López, alongside the five other construction workers, was presumed dead after the incident occurred in late March, with authorities citing the length of recovery efforts and the cold temperature of the Patapsco River.
The recovery of the body comes as crews continue their sixth week of clearing debris and wreckage from the incident’s site.
Salvage teams preparing to remove a piece of the bridge laying across the bow of the cargo ship will have to factor in crushed containers, hull damage and weight shifts during the complex removal process and refloating operation of the ship, according to an update.
Crews are also removing portions of one of the bridge’s spans in contact with the cargo ship, according to the update, which noted the safety of the salvage crew members remains a top priority during wreckage operations.
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What To Watch For
Authorities have said they are trying to refloat the cargo ship by Friday and have the Fort McHenry Channel reopened late this month.
Key Background
The bridge collapse was triggered by the cargo ship, Dali, striking one of its support beams. The ship’s crew broadcasted a “mayday” alert after the ship experienced a loss of power and steering problems, leading to its collision with the bridge. Some 15,000 workers’ jobs and 500 local businesses were impacted by the bridge’s collapse. Impacted local businesses have been able to apply for long-term, low-interest loans to help cover expenses through the Small Business Administration.
Further Reading
Port Of Baltimore May Regain Permanent Channel Next Month, Army Corps Of Engineers Says (Forbes)
