USCG Recovers Missing Body of Construction Worker Following Baltimore Bridge Collapse
In a tragic turn of events, a third body has been recovered at the site of last week’s bridge collapse in Baltimore. Salvage divers discovered the body of 38-year-old Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, one of the missing workers, on Friday morning. This discovery brings a sense of closure to the situation, but there are still three workers who remain missing.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed within seconds on March 26 after being struck by the cargo ship Dali. Engineers are now working tirelessly to restore navigation in and out of the Port of Baltimore, with a tentative timeline suggesting that it will be fully operational by the end of May. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is aiming to open a limited access channel within the next four weeks, which will support barge container service and some vessels transporting automobiles and farm equipment.
President Joe Biden visited the port city to witness the cleanup efforts firsthand. From aboard the Marine One helicopter, he observed the twisted steel trusses of the Key Bridge and the machinery working to clear the wreckage. On the ground, President Biden received updates from local officials, as well as representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers. He assured the affected individuals that the nation stands behind them and promised government support.
The impact of this tragedy extends beyond the physical damage caused by the collapse. Businesses and workers in Maryland’s maritime industry are facing significant economic challenges. The U.S. Small Business Administration has implemented a low-interest loan program to assist affected businesses, with 500 applications already received. The loans will provide much-needed financial support as Baltimore’s vital port remains closed to most maritime traffic. Transportation and supply chain logistics companies are expected to suffer the most in the short term, but the long-term ripple effects will be felt throughout the region.
The safety measures in place for the workers who lost their lives have come into question. Federal regulations require construction companies to have safety boats nearby to warn workers of impending danger. However, there is no indication that the company responsible for the bridge construction, Brawner, had a rescue boat ready and available at the time of the incident. This raises concerns about whether proper precautions were taken to ensure the workers’ safety.
As the cleanup efforts continue, authorities remain committed to recovering the bodies of the remaining missing workers. However, adverse weather conditions and the murky water of the river have complicated the search. The timelines for reopening the port and clearing the wreckage are ambitious and may be subject to change due to external factors.
In the wake of this tragedy, Baltimore and its maritime industry are coming together to support one another. The nation is rallying behind them, and President Biden’s visit serves as a symbol of hope and unity. While the road to recovery may be long and challenging, the resilience and determination of the community will prevail.
(Note: The information in this article is based on reports from The Associated Press.)
