First Ship Sails Through Newly Opened Channel After Baltimore Bridge Collapse

By John Lopez

Apr 25, 2024 08:54 PM EDT

TOPSHOT-US-TRANSPORT-INCIDENT — TOPSHOT - In this aerial image, the steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sits on top of a container ship after the bridge collapsed, Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26, 2024. The bridge collapsed early March 26 after being struck by the Singapore-flagged Dali container ship, sending multiple vehicles and people plunging into the frigid harbor below. There was no immediate confirmation of the cause of the disaster, but Baltimore's Police Commissioner Richard Worley said there was "no indication" of terrorism.
(Photo : Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

After weeks of halted maritime traffic due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore's harbor has finally reopened, marking a significant milestone in the city's recovery efforts.

The reopening comes as the first cargo ship, the Balsa 94, sailed through a newly opened deep-water channel, according to a report from NBC News.

First Cargo Ship Passes Through New Baltimore Channel

The Balsa 94, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier, had been stranded in the harbor since the bridge collapse four weeks ago. Salvage crews worked tirelessly to clear thousands of tons of debris from the harbor entrance, allowing the ship to navigate through the newly opened 35-foot channel.

Guided by two tug boats, the Balsa 94 passed through the channel between red and green buoys marking its boundaries. Along the route, the wreckage of the collapsed bridge and the grounded Dali, a massive container ship involved in the incident, served as stark reminders of the tragedy.

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was triggered when the Dali lost power and veered off course, resulting in the loss of six lives. While four bodies have been recovered, two remain missing, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Investigations Continue for Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Local and state officials have prioritized efforts to reopen the harbor due to the severe economic impact of the collapse. Thousands of dockers, truckers, and small business owners have felt the effects of halted maritime traffic, prompting the establishment of assistance programs to support affected workers.

In response to the collapse, Baltimore's mayor and city council are pushing for the full liability of Dali's owner and manager, emphasizing the port's economic importance to the region, AP reports.

The FBI and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting investigations to determine the cause of the collapse and assign responsibility.