First Container Ship Arrives at Baltimore Port Since Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

BALTIMORE - On Sunday, the Port of Baltimore celebrated another milestone in its recovery efforts after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed over a month ago. The first container ship, MSC Cargo Passion III, successfully made its way through the temporary 35-foot channel to arrive at Seagirt Terminal, carrying nearly 1,000 containers.

The arrival of this vessel marks a significant step forward for the Port of Baltimore, which has been closed to container traffic since the bridge collapse on March 26.

Four temporary channels have been opened to allow ships to safely pass through the damaged area. The latest one, which allowed MSC Cargo Passion III to enter, is expected to be open for a few days before closing again.

Despite its temporary nature, this channel is a crucial lifeline for the Port of Baltimore and its operations. With a depth of 35 feet and a width of 300 feet, it can accommodate larger vessels and help alleviate the backlog of ships stuck in the port.

Governor Wes Moore of Maryland expressed excitement and relief after witnessing the first container ship's arrival since the bridge collapsed. "Around that 35-foot draft is where you're starting to get some of the inventory that's coming onboard that had been some of the hallmarks of The Port of Baltimore," he said.

The opening of these temporary channels has already shown positive results, with a 15% increase in commercial activity at the port after the largest channel was opened last Thursday. This adjustment has allowed larger ships carrying various goods, including containers, vehicles, and farm equipment, to depart from the port and for new ships to enter.

Recreational Boats Allowed To Pass

Apart from commercial traffic, recreational boats can also pass through the Key Bridge collapse salvage area during specific hours. This is important for chartering businesses and individual boat owners stuck on one side of the bridge or needing to access the other for maintenance.

Traffic will be strictly one-way during designated hours to ensure safe and orderly passage through the temporary channels. Outbound movements are scheduled from 3:30 to 4:30 PM, while inbound movements are scheduled from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. "There's going to be plenty of people out there directing and keeping this a very safe and orderly passage," said Larry Lewis, an experienced boater.

As the Port of Baltimore continues its recovery efforts, the successful arrival of MSC Cargo Passion III is a significant achievement. It showcases the port's resilience and determination and highlights the importance of this vital transportation hub for Maryland's economy.

Salvage effort Continues at Key Bridge

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is leading the salvage effort. Their priority remains to clear the main shipping channel through the river to reopen access to the Port of Baltimore. Their massive floating cranes and sonar technology have been crucial in identifying and removing wreckage from the deepest parts of the channel.

As Maryland's economy relies heavily on the port's operations, Governor Wes Moore and other officials are working closely with the Corps to ensure that the main shipping channel will be reopened by the end of May. With 1,300 tons of steel already removed from the river, progress is being made towards this goal.

The rubble and debris from the collapsed bridge are also being processed and recycled, showcasing a commitment to reopening the channel and maintaining environmental sustainability.

Main Shipping Channel Expected to Reopen by the end of May

Reopening the main shipping channel will be a significant milestone for the Port of Baltimore and Maryland's economy. It will allow for the resumption of 100% of pre-collapse activity, contributing to job creation and income flow throughout the city, county, and state.

As salvage efforts continue at the Key Bridge site, progress is being made towards this goal. The successful arrival of the first container ship at the port since the collapse is a testament to the determination and hard work of all those involved in the recovery efforts.

2 Bodies Remain Missing; Recovery Efforts Are Ongoing

Despite significant progress in the salvage and recovery efforts at the Key Bridge site, two bodies of the six construction workers killed in the collapse are still missing. The victims were identified as Miguel Luna from El Salvador and Jose Maynor Lopez from Guatemala.

As a memorial grows for these hardworking men on Fort Armistead Road, the community continues to mourn their loss. President Joe Biden expressed his condolences, stating that they were "hardworking, strong and selfless" individuals who tragically lost their lives while on a break from fixing potholes.

The other four victims have been identified as Dorlian Cabrera, originally from Guatemala; Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, from Mexico; Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, from Guatemala; and another individual who has not been identified at the request of their family. The recovery efforts for Luna and Lopez are ongoing as teams work tirelessly to locate and retrieve their bodies from under the wreckage. The families of all six victims are in our thoughts as we continue to honor their memory and support each other during this difficult time.

Baltimore's Port Recovery and Local Business Revival

Despite the challenges following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, the Port of Baltimore continues to progress in its recovery, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to rebuilding. As the port reopens and commerce resumes, local businesses also look forward to renewed activity.

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Source: cbsnews.com