Local maritime expert weighs in on Key Bridge collapse, aftermath

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The search is on for anyone stranded in the water after a cargo ship collided into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge early this morning, causing it to collapse.

“The coast guard’s primary mission right now is search and rescue, looking for any survivors in the water,” said John Fulweiler a maritime lawyer based out of Newport.

Coast guard officials using several boats as well as helicopters to scan the water in the port of Baltimore, one of the largest in the mid Atlantic.

Video from the moments the Singapore registered vessel Dali struck one of the bridges pillars shows its lights flicker on and off again, and then the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed.

“When a vessel hits a stationary object, an allision, then the vessel is presumed to be responsible, it might seem obvious but in the maritime law there’s a specific rule for that,” said Fulweiler.

Speaking to ABC6 News this morning, Fulweiler described the likely lengthy lawsuits that will ensue following this morning’s tragedy in the port of Baltimore, trying to get to the bottom of what led to this allision that has left several people missing after several cars and eight people on the bridge at the time of the collapse fell into the water.

“What was going on on the bridge of the vessel, whether or if there were tug escorts available, was the bridge properly lit, I think that’s probably less of a concern. But all of these facts will be examined and there’s going to be a determination of fault at the end of the day,” said Fulweiler.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore said this morning that the ship issued a mayday call after losing power shortly after departing the dock, likely saving lives.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is heading to Baltimore Tuesday.

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Weidenfeld said in a news briefing Tuesday morning that authorities are searching for alternative transport options for the approximately 35,000 people using the bridge every day.

“I would say the actual striking of short sight infrastructure anecdotally seems somewhat infrequent,” said Fulweiler.

The port of Baltimore is closed to vessel traffic until further notice, and it’s too early to say when ships will begin calling on the port once again.

Wes Moore reiterated the main focus right now is saving lives.

Now that the sun is up, dive operations have started as part of the ongoing search and rescue operations but time is of the essence.

Officials say conditions in the river are difficult.

Divers are entering forty to fifty feet of water, strong currents and water temperatures under 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be deadly following prolonged exposure.

Officials say they’re also dealing with high winds in the area, and air temperatures around 42 degrees.