“Indian and Sri Lankan Crew to Stay Aboard Dali Ship Involved in Baltimore Bridge Collision During Probe”

In Short

• Crew of 20 Indians, a Sri Lankan will remain on board the cargo vessel
• Crew assisting US agencies in investigation
• US agencies have collected voyage data recorder, documents

A crew comprising 20 Indians and one Sri Lankan, onboard the container vessel named Dali, which collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge last month, will continue to remain on the ship until investigations into the incident conclude, according to PTI.

Grace Ocean Pte, the vessel’s owner, stated that the crew members are cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board and Coast Guard in their investigation.

However, no specific timeline was provided regarding the duration of their stay onboard. Jennifer Homendy, the head of the National Transportation Safety Board, mentioned that the cargo ship was carrying a significant amount of hazardous and inflammable materials.

The crew has been aboard the vessel since its collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. Unfortunately, six construction workers repairing potholes on the bridge at the time of the accident are presumed dead, with only two bodies recovered thus far.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the Indian embassy in Washington is closely monitoring the situation and that the crew members, reported to be in good health, are being attended to.

Additionally, one crew member who sustained injuries during the collision has been treated and discharged from the hospital. Earlier, Synergy Marine, assisting the ship’s management company, assured that the crew has an adequate supply of food, water, and fuel to sustain onboard operations.