GUWAHATI: The entirety of the 22-member crew aboard the cargo ship involved in the collision with a significant bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday are of Indian nationality, as confirmed by the company.
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The Singaporean-flagged container vessel named "Dali" collided with one of the supports of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore at around 1:30 AM local time on March 26.
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As per the information provided by the Synergy Marine Group, all 22 crew members were Indian nationals.
The vessel, owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd, was en route from Baltimore to Colombo. The management of the ship reported that the collision occurred while the vessel was under pilotage with two pilots on board, as stated by the ship management company Synergy Marine Group.
According to the statement released by Synergy Marine Group, "All crew members, including the two pilots, have been safely located, and there have been no reports of injuries or environmental pollution." Although the precise cause of the incident is yet to be determined, the "Dali" has initiated its Qualified Individual Incident Response service. The US Coast Guard and local authorities have been notified, and the owners and managers are actively cooperating with federal and state government agencies as per an authorized protocol.
In response to the incident, Maersk expressed its concern, stating, "We are deeply troubled by the events in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all those affected." Maersk clarified that the container vessel "Dali," operated by charter vessel company Synergy Group, is time-chartered by Maersk and is carrying cargo belonging to Maersk customers. The statement emphasized that no Maersk crew or personnel were on board the vessel.
"We are closely monitoring the investigations being conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we are committed to keeping our customers informed," Maersk added.
The cause of the cargo ship's collision with the bridge in the major American city near Washington remains unclear. Furthermore, the number of individuals who might have ended up in the water as a result of the incident is yet to be determined.