Saturday, May 18, 2024 BALTIMORE – The refloat and transit of the M/V Dali from its current location to a local marine terminal is slated for Monday morning (subject to change). Safety remains the Unified Command’s emphasis, as it has been during the execution of all tasks in the nearly eight weeks of salvage operations. The refloat and transit sequence is deliberately designed to ensure all response personnel around the M/V Dali maintain control of the vessel, from refloat, transit to, and berthing at a local marine terminal. Refloat: Optimum conditions call for the transit of the M/V Dali to commence at high tide, predicted to be Monday at 5:24 a.m. The vessel will be prepared at 2 a.m., allowing the M/V Dali to catch the peak high tide for a controlled transit. ■   The entire refloat sequence (prior to high-tide transit) is estimated to begin roughly 18 hours beforehand, starting midday on Sunday. ■   Example checklist items in this 18-hour countdown include: o   Release of some of the anchors and mooring lines currently attached to the M/V Dali (nearby tugboats on standby). o   De-ballasting of part or all of the 1.25 million gallons of water pumped onto the M/V Dali, to compensate for the weight removed during the May 13 precision cutting. o   Detailed inspections confirming all obstructions have been removed on the left (port) side of the M/V Dali by Unified Command dive survey teams. Transit to Marine Terminal: Once free of its current position, up to five tugboats will escort the M/V Dali the 2.5-mile distance to the local marine terminal. ■      The Dali will be escorted by tugboats as they tow/push the cargo vessel at roughly 1 mph on its transit to the marine terminal. ■      Earlier this week, a survey vessel confirmed a clear path for the M/V Dali to safely transit to the marine terminal. ■      The marine terminal is a TWIC-controlled facility; entry is strictly controlled. Editor’s notes: ■      Monday morning, once the vessel has begun its transit to the marine terminal, the Unified Command will issue a media advisory to subscribers of the Key Bridge Response website. (The subscription form can be found at the bottom of the response newsroom webpage: https://www.keybridgeresponse2024.com/newsroom) ■      Because the entire refloat and transit sequence is likely to take 21 hours or longer, the Unified Command is not hosting a media availability for this milestone. However, four time-lapse cameras have been placed at key points along the refloat and transit route. The Unified Command will release a montage to the media as soon as it becomes available. ■      Graphic courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Friday, May 17, 2024 BALTIMORE – Unified Command officials continue to evaluate the M/V Dali Friday in preparation for refloating the vessel and clearing the federal channel. Unified Command officials have evaluated sonar and lidar imagery but are awaiting results from a dive survey before proceeding with plans to refloat and move the M/V Dali to Seagirt Marine Terminal in the Port of Baltimore. Salvors with the Unified Command work to remove a 34,000lb piece of the Key Bridge off the bow of the M/V DALI in order to prepare it for refloating, May 15, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024.Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) This diver inspection is a necessary and vital step in the complicated process of reopening the Fort McHenry Federal Channel in a manner that mitigates risk to the vessel once it’s carefully refloated and moved from its current position. To permit safe diver access to the Patapsco riverbed next to the vessel, Unified Command cranes must first remove submerged and unstable wreckage from the controlled demolition. Safety also dictates the securing or removal of severely damaged containers and overhanging wreckage from the initial bridge collapse onto the deck of the M/V Dali. This process is already underway and should be complete in the days ahead. Salvors with the Unified Command continue wreckage removal from the M/V DALI as they prepare to refloat the vessel, May 15, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024.Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel.(U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) During the complex maritime operation of refloating the M/V Dali, Unified Command will continue removing wreckage in the central part of the Fort McHenry Federal Channel. More than 365 vessels have transited the four Port of Baltimore temporary alternate channels, the first of which was opened six days after the March 26 bridge collapse. These transits for commercial and recreational vessels will continue during the ongoing process to refloat the M/V Dali and salvage operation to clear the federal channel. Salvors with the Unified Command work to remove a 34,000lb piece of the Key Bridge off the bow of the M/V DALI in order to prepare it for refloating, May 15, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) Nearly 50% of the 700-foot-wide Fort McHenry Federal Channel had already been cleared to an operational depth of 48 feet before the controlled demolition. The federal channel is expected to be fully capable of supporting all commercial vessels in and out of the Port of Baltimore to a minimum operational depth of 50 feet in the weeks ahead. The current 2,000-yard safety zone around the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative. The Temporary Flight Restriction extends for two nautical miles in radius from the center of the bridge and from the surface up to and including 1,500 feet above ground level. Salvors with the Unified Command continue wreckage removal from the M/V DALI as they prepare to refloat the vessel, May 15, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024.Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel.(U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) Salvors with the Unified Command work to remove a 34,000lb piece of the Key Bridge off the bow of the M/V DALI in order to prepare it for refloating, May 15, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024.Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel.(U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) Full Gallery Link: https://www.dvidshub.net/mediagallery/detail/id/302946 There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any drone use anywhere within the “No Drone Zone” established by the FAA. Anyone who attempts to fly a drone in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command includes the: ●        U.S. Coast Guard ●        U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ●        Maryland Department of the Environment ●        Maryland Transportation Authority ●        Maryland State Police ●        Witt O’Brien’s representing Synergy Marine The Unified Command’s operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, safely restoring the marine transportation system and commerce, protecting the environment, and supporting the investigation. For additional imagery, please visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/search?q=key+bridge+response+2024&view=grid For videos of what similar controlled demolition looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpp2F4zonNQ

Thursday, May 16, 2024 B-roll is available here and here BALTIMORE – Unified Command officials continue to evaluate the M/V Dali Thursday in preparation for refloating the vessel and clearing the federal channel. Unified Command officials have evaluated sonar and lidar imagery but are awaiting results from a dive survey before proceeding with plans to refloat and move the M/V Dali to Seagirt Marine Terminal in the Port of Baltimore. This diver inspection is a necessary and vital step in the complicated process of reopening the Fort McHenry Federal Channel in a manner that mitigates risk to the vessel once it’s carefully refloated and moved from its current position. To permit safe diver access to the Patapsco riverbed next to the vessel, Unified Command cranes must first remove submerged and unstable wreckage from the controlled demolition. Safety also dictates the securing or removal of severely damaged containers and overhanging wreckage from the initial bridge collapse onto the deck of the M/V Dali. This process is already underway and should be complete in the days ahead. During the complex maritime operation of refloating the M/V Dali, Unified Command will continue removing wreckage in the central part of the Fort McHenry Federal Channel. More than 365 vessels have transited the four Port of Baltimore temporary alternate channels, the first of which was opened six days after the March 26 bridge collapse. These transits for commercial and recreational vessels will continue during the ongoing process to refloat the M/V Dali and salvage operation to clear the federal channel. Nearly 50% of the 700-foot-wide Fort McHenry Federal Channel had already been cleared to an operational depth of 48 feet before the controlled demolition. The federal channel is expected to be fully capable of supporting all commercial vessels in and out of the Port of Baltimore to a minimum operational depth of 50 feet in the weeks ahead. The current 2,000-yard safety zone around the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative. The Temporary Flight Restriction extends for two nautical miles in radius from the center of the bridge and from the surface up to and including 1,500 feet above ground level. There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any drone use anywhere within the “No Drone Zone” established by the FAA. Anyone who attempts to fly a drone in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command includes the: ●        U.S. Coast Guard ●        U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ●        Maryland Department of the Environment ●        Maryland Transportation Authority ●        Maryland State Police ●        Witt O’Brien’s representing Synergy Marine The Unified Command’s operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, safely restoring the marine transportation system and commerce, protecting the environment, and supporting the investigation. For additional imagery, please visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/search?q=key+bridge+response+2024&view=grid For videos of what similar controlled demolition looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpp2F4zonNQ

The latest updates to Maryland port conditions can be found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/maryland-ncr

The latest updates to Maryland port conditions can be found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/maryland-ncr

Thursday, May 9, 2024 BALTIMORE – The safest and swiftest method to remove the bridge piece from on top of the M/V Dali is by precision cuts made with small charges.  This is an industry-standard tool in controlled demolition that will break the span into smaller pieces, which will allow the work of refloating the vessel and removing it from the federal channel. Salvors with the Unified Command prepare charges for upcoming precision cuts, to remove section 4 from the port side of the bow of the M/V DALI, May 8, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) Salvors with the Unified Command prepare charges for upcoming precision cuts to remove section 4 from the port side of the bow of the M/V DALI, April 21, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) Salvors with the Unified Command prepare charges for upcoming precision cuts to remove section 4 from the port side of the bow of the M/V DALI, April 21, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) Salvors with the Unified Command prepare charges for upcoming precision cuts, to remove section 4 from the port side of the bow of the M/V DALI, May 8, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) Salvors with the Unified Command prepare charges for upcoming precision cuts to remove section 4 from the port side of the bow of the M/V DALI, May 7, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) For full gallery, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/mediagallery/detail/id/302622

Thursday, May 9, 2024 BALTIMORE – The Captain of the Port (COTP) has established a transit plan to afford recreational vessels the opportunity for transit through the Key Bridge Response Safety Zone. Traffic will be one-way at a time during one period: on Sunday, May 12th, OUTBOUND transits will be permitted in the afternoon from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and INBOUND transits will be permitted from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The Unified Command or Captain of the Port may cancel these time periods at any time for safety reasons. Mariners must monitor VHF Channel 16 and 81A while transiting the area. All recreational vessels must follow the rules of the road, stay within the marked channel, and heed directions by on-scene patrol vessels. The latest updates to Maryland port conditions can be found at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/maryland-ncr

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 Editor’s note: A media availability is scheduled to be issued approximately 48 hours before the precision cuts will be made to accommodate safe media access to the scene. BALTIMORE – The Key Bridge Response Unified Command is scheduled to use precision cuts made with small charges to remove a large section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge wreckage from on top of the M/V DALI. The exact time of the precision cuts will depend on multiple environmental and operational factors. The small charges, a standard controlled demolition tool, will split the large section of truss at specific locations to create multiple, smaller sections, which allows salvors to use cranes and barges already on scene to remove these sections of the bridge and ultimately remove the M/V DALI from the channel. “We remain focused on restoring the Marine Transportation System, while ensuring the protection of the public and the environment,” said Capt. David O’Connell, Key Bridge Response Federal On-Scene Coordinator. “By using precision cuts, we reduce risks to our personnel and can safely and efficiently continue clearing the channel for the Port of Baltimore.” A graphic explaining how the Key Bridge Unified Command prepares to remove the bridge piece that lies atop the M/V Dali. This infographic also shows that the area covered by the established Safety Zone is also the area where hearing protection is required during the precision cutting on section 4 of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. A portion of Hawkins Point is included in this zone, and focused efforts will be made to ensure those in the area are prepared for the event. Removing the bridge section, in the fastest, safest, and most predictable means requires the use of precision cuts made by these small charges. (Key Bridge Unified Command video by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers visual information specialist Christopher Rosario) The Key Bridge Response Unified Command coordinated with Maryland Department of Emergency Management to issue a cellular notification ahead of the controlled demolition to maximize awareness to the communities near the bridge. Hearing protection is not required outside of the 2,000-yard noise radius. Sound levels outside of the noise radius will be no louder than a standard fireworks show and will last 2-5 seconds. This infographic shows that the area covered by the established Safety Zone is also the area where hearing protection is required during the precision cutting on section 4 of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. A portion of Hawkins Point is included in this zone, and focused efforts will be made to ensure those in the area are prepared for the event. (Key Bridge Unified Command 2024 graphic) “There is a small portion of the noise radius that includes land over the industrial portions of Hawkins Point,” said Chief Petty Officer Nicholas Carr, Key Bridge Response Unified Command safety officer.  “We are ensuring workers in the area have advanced notice of the plan.” Officers from the Maryland State Police and allied law enforcement agencies will provide perimeter security to the area and spectating is highly discouraged. Similar methods were previously used in the area for the controlled demolition of the Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge in March 2023 in Charles County, Maryland. A graphical representation of how the Key Bridge Unified Command prepares to remove the bridge piece that lies atop the M/V Dali. Removing the bridge section, in the fastest, safest, and most predictable means requires the use of precision cuts made by these small charges. (Key Bridge Unified Command video by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers visual information specialist Jake Pope) The current 2,000-yard safety zone around the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative. The Temporary Flight Restriction extends for two nautical miles in radius from the center of the bridge and from the surface up to and including 1,500 feet above ground level. There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any drone use anywhere within the “No Drone Zone” established by the FAA. Anyone who attempts to fly a drone in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command includes the: ●      U.S. Coast Guard ●      U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ●      Maryland Department of the Environment ●      Maryland Transportation Authority ●      Maryland State Police ●      Witt O’Brien’s representing Synergy Marine The Unified Command’s operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, safely restoring the marine transportation system and commerce, protecting the environment, and supporting the investigation. For additional imagery, please visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/search?q=key+bridge+response+2024&view=grid For videos of what similar controlled demolition looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpp2F4zonNQ

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 This press release is available in Spanish at https://www.keybridgeresponse2024.com/es. BALTIMORE – Today, Unified Command salvage teams located the sixth victim and promptly notified the Maryland Department of State Police. Maryland State Police investigators along with officers from the Maryland Transportation Authority Police and the FBI responded to the scene and recovered the body of a sixth construction worker. The victim is identified as José Mynor López, 37, of Baltimore, Maryland. Investigators from the Maryland State Police, along with an FBI Victim Specialist and linguist, and a team of mental health professionals notified family members after a positive identification was confirmed. Assistance was also provided by the Maryland State Police Underwater Recovery Team and Crime Scene Unit.  The investigation continues. “With heavy hearts, today marks a significant milestone in our recovery efforts and providing closure to the loved ones of the six workers who lost their lives in this tragic event,” said Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police. “As we mourn with the families, we honor the memory of José Mynor López, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, Carlos Daniel Hernandez Estrella, and Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez.”

Monday, May 6, 2024 BALTIMORE – Salvage crews within the Key Bridge Unified Command continue to prepare for the complex task of removing the large piece of bridge lying on top of the M/V DALI. Salvors with the Unified Command continue wreckage removal from the M/V DALI, May 4, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore the marine transportation system and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident. (Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges ) Prior to removing the bridge piece, salvage teams must meticulously analyze and factor in numerous hazards and obstacles resulting from the bridge's impact. Crushed containers, hull damage, and weight shifts are among the critical considerations crews must address during the bridge removal and refloating operation of the ship. Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore the marine transportation system and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident. (Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges ) Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore the marine transportation system and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident. (Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges) Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore the marine transportation system and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident. (Key Bridge Unified Command video by U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges ) The safety of the salvage crew members remains a top priority during the complex operations. Specialized equipment has been employed to closely monitor the positioning and movement of the M/V DALI and the bridge wreckage in contact with it. “We’ve got a total of six of, what we call, inclinometers that measure tilt on key locations of the span and key locations of the ship so we can watch how it’s pitching and rolling with tide, and wind,” said Rob Ruthledge, a contractor working for the Key Bridge Unified Command. “We have a sensor measuring the relative position of the span on the ship so we can see, if for some reason, it starts to slip. We also have what are called strain gauges, which can measure, in real-time, the stress, while they are performing operations.” Crews have also been working to remove the portions of bridge span 17, which are in contact with the opposite side of the M/V DALI. Salvors with the Unified Command continue wreckage removal from the M/V DALI, May 4, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) Salvors with the Unified Command continue wreckage removal from the M/V DALI, May 4, 2024, during the Key Bridge Response 2024. Debris and wreckage removal is ongoing in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry Channel. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario) Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore the marine transportation system and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident. (Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges ) Additional imagery can be found here: https://www.dvidshub.net/mediagallery/detail/id/302405 https://www.dvidshub.net/mediagallery/detail/id/302454 The Key Bridge Unified Command remains committed to restoring full access to the Fort McHenry Channel as swiftly and safely as possible and is providing updates regularly. The public is reminded that the Unified Command continues to maintain a 2000-yard maritime Safety Zone around the incident site. The TFR extends for two nautical miles in radius from the center of the bridge and from the surface up to and including 1500 feet above ground level. The safety zone remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative. There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any UAS/drone use anywhere within the “No Drone Zone” established by the Federal Aviation Administration. Anyone who attempts to fly a UAS/drone in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command includes the: U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Maryland Department of the Environment Maryland Transportation Authority Maryland State Police Witt O’Brien’s representing Synergy Marine The Unified Command’s operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, accountability of missing persons, safely restoring the marine transportation system and commerce, protecting the environment, and supporting the investigation.

Friday, May 3, 2024 BALTIMORE – Salvage crews within the Key Bridge Unified Command are preparing for the removal of the piece of bridge lying on top of the M/V DALI. Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident. (Key Bridge Unified Command Video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges) An aerial image of the Unified Command response operations in Baltimore, Maryland on April 22, 2024. The Key Bridge Response Unified Command priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, accountability of missing persons, safely restoring transportation infrastructure and commerce, protecting the environment, and supporting the investigation. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Alejandro Rivera) Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident. (Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visual Information Specialist Christopher Rosario) The operation requires careful handling of roadbed material, crushed containers, and bridge fragments currently resting on the M/V DALI’s bow. The salvage teams are meticulously preparing for the refloat of the DALI, ensuring all aspects of the wreckage impacts are thoroughly evaluated and addressed. Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident. (Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges) Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident. (Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visual Information Specialist Christopher Rosario ) "The complexities of this next phase of operations require thorough preparation, strategic planning, and specialized expertise," said Capt. David O’Connell, Federal On-Scene Coordinator, Key Bridge Unified Command. "We have the right team making this work happen in the safest and most efficient way possible.” U.S. Coast Guard Capt. David O’Connel and U.S. Army Col. Estee Pinchasin, Key Bridge Unified Command Incident Commanders, observe the progress of operations on the Patapsco River during a media embarkation, April 26, 2024. The Key Bridge Response 2024 unified command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Himes) Specialized equipment has been employed to closely monitor the positioning and movement of the M/V DALI and the bridge wreckage in contact with it. Teams have strategically removed 182 containers from the M/V DALI to facilitate the removal of the piece of steel structure, referred to as “section four.” Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident. (Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges) Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident. (Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visual Information Specialist Christopher Rosario) Key Bridge Unified command salvors begin preparing for the removal of bridge section four, which lies across the bow of the M/V DALI. . The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command priorities are to ensure the safety of the public and first responders, account for missing persons, safely restore transportation infrastructure and commerce, protect the environment, and support the investigation of the incident. (Key Bridge Unified Command Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges) For full gallery, please visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/mediagallery/detail/id/302370 The Key Bridge Unified Command remains committed to restoring full access to the Fort McHenry Channel as swiftly and safely as possible and is providing updates regularly. The public is reminded that the Unified Command continues to maintain a 2000-yard maritime Safety Zone around the incident site. The TFR extends for two nautical miles in radius from the center of the bridge and from the surface up to and including 1500 feet above ground level. The safety zone remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative. There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any UAS/drone use anywhere within the “No Drone Zone” established by the Federal Aviation Administration. Anyone who attempts to fly a UAS/drone in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment. The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command includes the: U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Maryland Department of the Environment Maryland Transportation Authority Maryland State Police Witt O’Brien’s representing Synergy Marine The Unified Command’s operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, accountability of missing persons, safely restoring transportation infrastructure and commerce, protecting the environment, and supporting the investigation.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 This press release is available in Spanish at https://www.keybridgeresponse2024.com/es. BALTIMORE – The Unified Command recovered the body of another missing victim at the Key Bridge incident site on May 1, 2024. The victim is identified as Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, 49, of Glen Burnie, Maryland. Unified Command salvage teams located one of the missing construction vehicles and promptly notified the Maryland Department of State Police. Maryland State Police investigators along with officers from the Maryland Transportation Authority Police and the FBI responded to the scene and recovered the body of a fifth construction worker inside a red truck. Assistance was also provided by the Maryland State Police Underwater Recovery Team and Crime Scene Unit. “We remain dedicated to the ongoing recovery operations while knowing behind each person lost in this tragedy lies a loving family,” said Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police. “Along with our local, state and federal partners, we ask that everyone extend their deepest sympathies and support to the families during this difficult time.”