The USACE is sending over 1,100 personnel to Baltimore, Md., after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River early Tuesday.
The Baltimore District of the corps has opened its Emergency Operations Center to allow more than 1,100 specialists to support local, state, and federal agencies in clearing the fallen bridge.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a significant bridge in Baltimore, collapsed immediately after being hit. A cargo ship named the Dali, managed by Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd, a Singaporean company, struck the bridge.
The deteriorating bridge caused several cars and construction workers to fall into the cold waters below, resulting in six people now missing and presumed dead.
The incident is likely to have a huge economic impact on Baltimore, especially because the port is crucial for importing and exporting goods.
Vessel traffic to and from the port has been halted until further notice, although the facility remains accessible to trucks.
President Biden has promised to provide Baltimore with all necessary federal resources to deal with this emergency and to rebuild the port.
The Army Corps of Engineers will use the removal vessel Reynolds to clear the bridge debris from the river, which monitors the Baltimore Harbor and Patapsco River waters for potential navigation hazards.
They will also employ a 61-foot survey vessel, the Catlett, to assess the damage.
The Coast Guard, which assisted with search-and-rescue efforts shortly after the collapse, stated that it would lead the accident investigation and pollution response.
