US Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Indian Crew's Swift Action Saves Lives, Biden Praises

It was stated by the shipping company Synergy Maritime Group, which managed the Singapore-flagged freight ship, in a statement on Tuesday that the entire 22-member crew of the vessel are Indians.

The prompt action by personnel on board the cargo ship 'Dali', which struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing the bridge to plunge into the river below and sending several people and vehicles into the water, was lauded by US President Joe Biden.

It was stated by the shipping company Synergy Maritime Group, which managed the Singapore-flagged freight ship, in a statement on Tuesday that the entire 22-member crew of the vessel are Indians.

US Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Biden Praises Indian Crew

The Maryland Department of Transportation was alerted by personnel on board the ship that they had lost control of their vessel, prompting the local authorities to close the bridge to traffic before the catastrophic impact. This move, which was "undoubtedly" credited with saving lives, was highlighted by President Biden during his comments at the White House regarding the Baltimore bridge collapse on Wednesday.

It was stated by President Biden that "Everything so far indicates that this was a terrible accident. At this time, we have no other indication - no other reason to believe there was any intentional act here." The Maryland state police announced that six people who were missing after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge have been presumed dead.

"Officials at the scene estimate eight people were unaccounted for still -- not still, were unaccounted for. That number might change. Two have been rescued -- one without injury, one in critical condition. And the search-and-rescue operation is continuing for all those remaining as we speak," stated the US President. It was also noted by Biden that the Port of Baltimore is one of the nation's largest shipping hubs.

A record amount of cargo was handled by the Port of Baltimore last year, making it the top port in America for both imports and exports of automobiles and light trucks. Approximately 850,000 vehicles pass through the port annually, and efforts are underway to restore its operations swiftly.

According to CNN, two construction workers from Guatemala are among those missing following the bridge collapse in Baltimore. As per a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued late Tuesday, the missing workers are identified as a 26-year-old from San Luis, Peten, and a 35-year-old from Camotan, Chiquimula.

These individuals were part of a team assigned to repair the asphalt on the bridge when the accident occurred. While the statement did not disclose their names, it confirmed that the consul general of Guatemala in Maryland is in contact with the affected families, assisting the missing individuals' brothers.

Additionally, the consulate is maintaining communication with local authorities in Maryland, emphasizing that two of the missing individuals were of Guatemalan descent, as reported by CNN.