UPDATE 27: Photo Release: Unified Command continues preparations for refloating of M/V Dali
Friday, May 17, 2024

BALTIMORE – Unified Command officials continue to evaluate the M/V Dali Friday in preparation for refloating the vessel and clearing the federal channel. Unified Command officials have evaluated sonar and lidar imagery but are awaiting results from a dive survey before proceeding with plans to refloat and move the M/V Dali to Seagirt Marine Terminal in the Port of Baltimore.

Salvors with the Unified Command work to remove a 34,000lb piece of the Key Bridge off the bow of the M/V DALI in order to prepare it for refloating, May 15, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024.Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario)
This diver inspection is a necessary and vital step in the complicated process of reopening the Fort McHenry Federal Channel in a manner that mitigates risk to the vessel once it’s carefully refloated and moved from its current position. To permit safe diver access to the Patapsco riverbed next to the vessel, Unified Command cranes must first remove submerged and unstable wreckage from the controlled demolition. Safety also dictates the securing or removal of severely damaged containers and overhanging wreckage from the initial bridge collapse onto the deck of the M/V Dali. This process is already underway and should be complete in the days ahead.

Salvors with the Unified Command continue wreckage removal from the M/V DALI as they prepare to refloat the vessel, May 15, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024.
Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel.
(U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario)

During the complex maritime operation of refloating the M/V Dali, Unified Command will continue removing wreckage in the central part of the Fort McHenry Federal Channel. More than 365 vessels have transited the four Port of Baltimore temporary alternate channels, the first of which was opened six days after the March 26 bridge collapse. These transits for commercial and recreational vessels will continue during the ongoing process to refloat the M/V Dali and salvage operation to clear the federal channel.

Salvors with the Unified Command work to remove a 34,000lb piece of the Key Bridge off the bow of the M/V DALI in order to prepare it for refloating, May 15, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024.Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario)

Nearly 50% of the 700-foot-wide Fort McHenry Federal Channel had already been cleared to an operational depth of 48 feet before the controlled demolition. The federal channel is expected to be fully capable of supporting all commercial vessels in and out of the Port of Baltimore to a minimum operational depth of 50 feet in the weeks ahead.

The current 2,000-yard safety zone around the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.

The Temporary Flight Restriction extends for two nautical miles in radius from the center of the bridge and from the surface up to and including 1,500 feet above ground level.

Salvors with the Unified Command continue wreckage removal from the M/V DALI as they prepare to refloat the vessel, May 15, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024.Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel.(U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario)

Salvors with the Unified Command work to remove a 34,000lb piece of the Key Bridge off the bow of the M/V DALI in order to prepare it for refloating, May 15, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024.Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel.(U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) Full Gallery Link: https://www.dvidshub.net/mediagallery/detail/id/302946


There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any drone use anywhere within the “No Drone Zone” established by the FAA. Anyone who attempts to fly a drone in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment.

 

The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command includes the:

 

●        U.S. Coast Guard 

●        U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

●        Maryland Department of the Environment 

●        Maryland Transportation Authority

●        Maryland State Police

●        Witt O’Brien’s representing Synergy Marine

 

The Unified Command’s operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, safely restoring the marine transportation system and commerce, protecting the environment, and supporting the investigation.

 

For additional imagery, please visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/search?q=key+bridge+response+2024&view=grid

 

For videos of what similar controlled demolition looks like: