A massive piece of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, weighing around 450 tons, posed a monumental challenge to workers tasked with reopening the Port of Baltimore after a catastrophic incident. The recovery effort, following what is considered one of the most expensive disasters in maritime history with presumed casualties, involved hundreds of engineers, workers, and divers. The cleanup operation is a non-stop endeavor, with a pledge from Gov. Wes Moore to have the port operational by the end of May.
The salvage team faced complex and risky conditions as they navigated the murky waters of the Patapsco River to dismantle the wreckage. Using hydraulic shears and diamond wire saws, the team meticulously cut through steel trusses, guided by divers below and workers on the surface. The operation also employed one of the biggest floating cranes on the East Coast, the Chesapeake 1000, to lift the heaviest parts of the bridge out of the water, marking a significant step forward in the recovery process.
Despite the challenges and dangers, the salvage team remains focused on their mission to clear the waterway and reopen the port for economic activities. The cleanup effort at Sparrows Point, where the wreckage was floated for dismantling, exemplifies the remarkable coordination and dedication of the workers involved in the project. The intensity of the operation mirrors past environmental disasters like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, underscoring the immense scale and urgency required for the recovery operation.
