Baltimore bridge collapse: Joe Biden appreciates quick SOS sent by Indian crew on ship

United States President Joe Biden, while appreciating the local authorities for acting promptly seconds before the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed, also hailed the Indian crew of the ship who sent an SOS timely.

The bridge was struck by a huge freight ship on Tuesday (Mar 27) and collapsed within seconds.

“Personnel on board the ship were able to alert the Maryland Department of Transportation that they had lost control of their vessel, as you all know and have reported. As a result, local authorities were able to close the bridge to traffic before the bridge was struck, which undoubtedly saved lives,” said Biden, in his address.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the brave rescuers who immediately rushed to the scene,” added the US president.

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Maydcall saves lives, helps authorities halt traffic

The Singapore-flagged container ship Dali was departing from Baltimore on Tuesday (Mar 26) with a full cargo en route to Sri Lanka when it hit the concrete pier which was supporting the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

After seconds, the entire bridge fell into 50 feet of frigid water flowing below. Second, before the incident, a Mayday call was issued by the ship as it warned that it had lost power and the authorities scrambled to close traffic movement on the bridge, so as to save lives.

In the CCTV footage, the ship was seen going dark twice minutes before the crash happened. After the collision, a puff of smoke was seen rising from the ship.

Biden said that all the cost to rebuild the bridge will be paid by the federal government.

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: All-Indian crew aboard vessel that collided with Baltimore bridge safe

While answering why the federal government the bear the cost when the ship and its operator were to be blamed for the incident, Biden said, “That could be but we’re not going to wait for that to happen. We’re going to pay for it to get the bridge rebuilt and opened.”

The port has been closed by the authorities “until further notice” and traffic has been diverted away from the bridge till the rescue effort continues.

The officials were able to rescue two workers while six others are missing and have been presumed dead.