The recovery of the final victim, José Mynor López, from the Patapsco River in Baltimore marked a somber moment in the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. López, 37, was one of six construction workers presumed dead since the late March incident, which was exacerbated by the cold temperature of the river, prolonging recovery efforts. Salvage teams, amidst ongoing efforts, are now focusing on removing a significant section of the bridge still atop the cargo ship that triggered the collapse over a month ago.
As salvage operations continue into their sixth week, crews are meticulously planning the complex removal process of the bridge wreckage from the cargo ship’s bow. Factors such as crushed containers, hull damage, and potential weight shifts pose challenges during this intricate operation. Safety remains paramount for salvage crew members as they work to clear debris and wreckage from the site while ensuring the stability of the ship and surrounding environment.
The last victim was discovered, concluding a challenging search following the deadliest bridge collapse in over a decade.
Authorities are closely monitoring the progress, aiming to refloat the cargo ship by Friday and reopen the Fort McHenry Channel later in the month. The bridge collapse, triggered by the cargo ship striking one of its support beams, had significant repercussions, impacting thousands of workers’ jobs and hundreds of local businesses. In response, affected businesses have been offered long-term, low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration to mitigate financial strains caused by the collapse.
The recovery efforts and subsequent actions reflect a community grappling with the aftermath of a tragic event while striving to restore normalcy and address the economic impact on local businesses. As the salvage operation progresses and the investigation into the incident continues, the focus remains on supporting those affected and implementing measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
