Freeport

<span-size:30.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">UPDATE 18 Multimedia Release: Key Bridge Unified Command prepares for removal of bridge piece on top of M/V DALI

Friday, May 3, 2024<span-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">BALTIMORE – Salvage crews within the Key Bridge Unified Command are preparing for the removal of the piece of bridge lying on top of the M/V DALI.

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<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">An aerial image of the Unified Command response operations in Baltimore, Maryland on April 22, 2024. The Key Bridge Response Unified Command priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, accountability of missing persons, safely restoring transportation infrastructure and commerce, protecting the environment, and supporting the investigation. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Alejandro Rivera)

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<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident.

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">(Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visual Information Specialist Christopher Rosario)

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">The operation requires careful handling of roadbed material, crushed containers, and bridge fragments currently resting on the M/V DALI’s bow. The salvage teams are meticulously preparing for the refloat of the DALI, ensuring all aspects of the wreckage impacts are thoroughly evaluated and addressed.

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<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident.

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">(Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges)

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<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident.

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">(Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visual Information Specialist Christopher Rosario )

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">"The complexities of this next phase of operations require thorough preparation, strategic planning, and specialized expertise," said Capt. David O’Connell, Federal On-Scene Coordinator, Key Bridge Unified Command. "We have the right team making this work happen in the safest and most efficient way possible.”

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<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Specialized equipment has been employed to closely monitor the positioning and movement of the M/V DALI and the bridge wreckage in contact with it.

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Teams have strategically removed 182 containers from the M/V DALI to facilitate the removal of the piece of steel structure, referred to as “section four.” 

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<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident.

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">(Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visual Information Specialist Christopher Rosario)

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<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident.

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">(Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges)

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<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">For full gallery, please visit:

https://www.dvidshub.net/mediagallery/detail/id/302370

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">The Key Bridge Unified Command remains committed to restoring full access to the Fort McHenry Channel as swiftly and safely as possible and is providing updates regularly.

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<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">The public is reminded that the Unified Command continues to maintain a 2000-yard maritime Safety Zone around the incident site. The TFR extends for two nautical miles in radius from the center of the bridge and from the surface up to and including 1500 feet above ground level.

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<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">The safety zone 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.

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<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any UAS/drone use anywhere within the “No Drone Zone” established by the Federal Aviation Administration. Anyone who attempts to fly a UAS/drone in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment.

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<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command includes the:

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">U.S. Coast Guard 

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Maryland Department of the Environment 

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Maryland Transportation Authority

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Maryland State Police

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Witt O’Brien’s representing Synergy Marine

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<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">The Unified Command’s operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, accountability of missing persons, safely restoring transportation infrastructure and commerce, protecting the environment, and supporting the investigation.