President Biden thanks Indian Crew’s Mayday Call Prevents Disaster Saved U.S. citizens life
The United States experienced a catastrophic event on Tuesday when a Singapore-flagged shipping vessel suffered a crucial power failure and collided with the Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge, plunging into the Patapsco River.
Following the collapse, US officials initiated a search and rescue mission after eight construction workers were reported missing. The team successfully recovered two workers, but the remaining six were presumed dead, triggering the suspension of the search operation on Wednesday morning.
While the US officials, including President Joe Biden, praised the workers involved in the search and rescue operation, Indian crew members onboard the Ship ‘Dali’ emerged as “heroes” after the Maryland Department of Transportation revealed that their alert assisted them in closing the bridge to traffic prior to the disastrous crash.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Biden described the Baltimore disaster as a “terrible accident,” acknowledging that staff onboard the vessel notified the transportation department before losing control of the ship. He asserted the move “undoubtedly” helped them in saving countless lives.
The incident has sparked discussions on maritime safety protocols, the role of international crews in such situations, and the effectiveness of emergency response measures. Here’s a comprehensive look at the events leading up to the Baltimore bridge collapse and its aftermath:
Timeline of Events:
Tuesday:
- Morning: The ‘Dali’, a Singapore-flagged shipping vessel, encounters a crucial power failure while passing through the Patapsco River near Baltimore.
- Afternoon: Despite efforts to regain control, the vessel continues drifting towards the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
- Mayday Call: The Indian crew members onboard the ‘Dali’ issue a distress call, alerting authorities about the impending collision with the bridge.
- Bridge Closure: Promptly responding to the mayday call, Maryland Department of Transportation takes swift action to close the Francis Scott Key Bridge, preventing potential vehicular traffic and pedestrian casualties.
- Search and Rescue: US authorities launch a search and rescue operation to locate missing construction workers and assess the extent of the damage.
- Recovery Efforts: Despite challenges posed by the river currents and debris, rescue teams manage to retrieve two workers from the wreckage.
- Presumed Dead: Six workers remain unaccounted for and are presumed dead as the search operation is suspended due to safety concerns.
The Role of the Indian Crew:
The crew members aboard the ‘Dali’, primarily consisting of Indian nationals, played a pivotal role in averting a larger catastrophe. Their swift action in issuing a mayday call alerted authorities to the impending danger, enabling timely closure of the bridge and preventing potential loss of life among commuters and pedestrians.
International Cooperation in Crisis Situations:
The Baltimore bridge collapse underscores the significance of international cooperation and communication in maritime emergencies. The seamless coordination between the Indian crew of the ‘Dali’ and US authorities highlights the importance of effective communication channels and prompt response protocols in averting disasters.
Maritime Safety Protocols:
The incident also raises questions about maritime safety protocols and the adequacy of measures to prevent collisions and mitigate risks in congested waterways. Authorities may need to review existing protocols and enhance safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
President Biden’s Response:
President Joe Biden extended condolences to the families of the victims and praised the efforts of the search and rescue teams. He emphasized the critical role played by the Indian crew members of the ‘Dali’ in averting a major disaster, commending their quick thinking and decisive action in alerting authorities.
Investigations and Accountability:
As the immediate rescue operations wind down, attention turns to investigations into the causes of the bridge collapse and the factors contributing to the vessel’s power failure. Authorities are expected to conduct thorough inquiries to ascertain accountability and implement necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Conclusion:
The Baltimore bridge collapse serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers inherent in maritime transportation and the critical importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety of both crew members and the public. The swift and coordinated response by the Indian crew of the ‘Dali’ highlights the invaluable role played by international cooperation in averting disasters and saving lives.
FAQ: President Biden thanks Indian Crew’s Mayday Call Prevents Disaster Saved U.S. citizens life
Q: How did the Baltimore bridge collapse occur? A: The collapse occurred when a Singapore-flagged shipping vessel, the ‘Dali’, suffered a power failure while passing through the Patapsco River, causing it to collide with the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Q: Were there any casualties reported? A: Eight construction workers were initially reported missing following the collapse. While two workers were recovered alive, the remaining six are presumed dead.
Q: What role did the Indian crew members play in averting a larger disaster? A: The Indian crew members aboard the ‘Dali’ issued a mayday call, alerting authorities about the impending collision with the bridge. Their quick action led to the timely closure of the bridge, preventing potential loss of life among commuters and pedestrians.
Q: What measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future? A: Authorities are expected to conduct thorough investigations into the causes of the collapse and review maritime safety protocols. Enhanced safety measures may be implemented to mitigate risks and prevent similar accidents.
Q: How has President Biden responded to the incident? A: President Biden extended condolences to the families of the victims and praised the efforts of the search and rescue teams. He emphasized the critical role played by the Indian crew members of the ‘Dali’ in averting a major disaster.
President Biden thanks Indian Crew’s Swift Action: How Indian Crew’s Mayday Call Averted Baltimore Bridge Disaster
“After the Indian crew’s mayday signal, a dispatcher swiftly issued a warning over the radio, alerting authorities that a massive cargo ship had lost its steering capabilities and was drifting perilously toward the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
In a race against time, police officers sprang into action, managing to halt automobile traffic on the bridge within a remarkable 90 seconds, as reported by the Associated Press.
One official recounted that he was poised to drive onto the bridge to personally notify construction workers of the impending danger. However, by the time he arrived, it was tragically too late.”
President Biden thanks Indian Crew’s Heroes of the Patapsco: Indian Crew’s Swift Action Saves Lives in Baltimore Bridge Crisis
Maryland Governor Wes Moore praised the Indian crew members onboard the Ship Dali, emphasizing how their mayday call played a critical role in preventing vehicular traffic from flowing onto the bridge.
“I have to say I’m thankful for the folks who, once the warning came up and once notification came up that there was a mayday, was literally by being able to stop cars from coming over the bridge,” Moore said, acknowledging the heroic actions of the crew.
“These people (the Indian ship crew) are heroes. They saved lives last night,” he added.
President Biden also commended the crew members, along with two local pilots, for their quick thinking and bravery in reducing the disaster’s impact. On social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), netizens echoed this sentiment, praising the crew’s actions during a challenging situation.
“The Indian crew on the ship probably saved lives and limited the disaster’s impact because they were the ones there to take action when things went wrong. Hats off to their quick thinking and bravery in a tough situation!” wrote one X user.
Synergy Marine Group, the vessel management company, confirmed that all crew members were safe and secure following the incident. However, tragically, six workers from Latin American countries, including Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador, are presumed dead.