A controlled explosion shook the Dali ship on Monday, with nearly two dozen sailors still on board, trapped below deck in the massive hull. The blast sent parts of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge into Maryland's Patapsco River, marking a dramatic turn seven weeks after the bridge collapse left six people dead and the Dali stranded, BBC reported.
Authorities and the crew are hopeful that the demolition will signal the beginning of the end of their ordeal, which has left the 21 men trapped and isolated, thousands of miles from home. However, it remains uncertain when they will be able to return home.
The Dali, a 289m container ship, was on a 27-day journey from Baltimore to Sri Lanka when it collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leaving the ship stranded under a mass of shredded metal.
A preliminary NTSB report revealed that two electrical blackouts disabled equipment before the incident, with the ship losing power twice in the 10 hours leading up to the crash.
The crew, comprising 20 Indians and a Sri Lankan national, has been unable to disembark due to visa restrictions, a lack of required shore passes, and ongoing investigations by the NTSB and FBI.
Despite the controlled demolition, the crew remained on board, with authorities using small explosive charges to cut a section of the bridge lying on the ship's bow.
US Coast Guard Admiral Shannon Gilreath stated that the crew would remain below deck with a fire crew at the ready, emphasizing their importance in keeping the ship operational.
While the ship is expected to be re-floated soon, the timeline for its journey to port remains unclear.
The crew has been largely without communication with the outside world for weeks after their mobile phones were confiscated by the FBI as part of the investigation. This has left them isolated, unable to conduct online banking or pay bills.
The situation has attracted the attention of unions representing the crew, with calls for the swift return of their phones and respect for their rights and welfare.
Efforts are underway to provide emotional support and activities for the crew, including small group outings once they are eligible for shore passes.
The crew's resilience has been noted, with efforts made to lift their spirits amid the challenging circumstances.
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Trapped Crew Awaits Repatriation as Controlled Explosion Rocks Ship
A controlled explosion rocked the Dali ship on Monday, where nearly two dozen sailors remain trapped below deck. The explosion, which sent parts of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge into Maryland's Patapsco River, marks a significant development in the ship's seven-week-long ordeal.
The Dali, a 289m container ship, collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge at the start of a 27-day journey from Baltimore to Sri Lanka. The incident left the ship marooned under a mass of shredded metal.
Despite the controlled demolition, the crew remains on board, unable to disembark due to visa restrictions and ongoing investigations. They have been largely without communication with the outside world for weeks after their mobile phones were confiscated by the FBI.
Efforts are underway to provide emotional support and activities for the crew, with small group outings planned once they are eligible for shore passes. The crew's resilience has been noted, with efforts made to lift their spirits amid the challenging circumstances.
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