The crew of the Dali remained on-board even as explosives were used to destroy part of the Key Bridge on its hull/Getty images
On Monday, controlled explosions were carried out on the Dali, a 948-foot container ship, while nearly two dozen sailors remained below deck in the vessel's hull. The blasts were intended to remove remnants of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which had collapsed into Maryland's Patapsco River seven weeks prior, killing six people and leaving the ship stranded.
The demolition is a hopeful step towards resolving a prolonged ordeal for the 21 crew members—20 Indians and one Sri Lankan—who have been stuck on the ship, isolated from the world and far from home. The crew has been unable to leave the ship due to visa restrictions, lack of necessary shore passes, and ongoing investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FBI.
The Dali had been embarking on a 27-day journey from Baltimore to Sri Lanka when it struck the bridge, causing a massive structural failure and leaving the ship stranded under a heap of debris. A preliminary NTSB report cited two electrical blackouts that disabled the ship's equipment prior to the crash, noting power losses in the 10 hours leading up to the incident.
Despite the controlled explosions to clear bridge debris from the ship's bow, it remains uncertain when the Dali will be refloated and able to travel the short distance to port. The crew stayed on board during the blasts, with US Coast Guard Admiral Shannon Gilreath stating that they are crucial for maintaining the ship's operations.
Joshua Messick, executive director of the Baltimore International Seafarers' Center, highlighted the crew's isolation, noting that their mobile phones were confiscated by the FBI, leaving them unable to communicate with the outside world or manage personal affairs. This has exacerbated their hardship, as they cannot reach out to family or handle essential tasks like paying bills.
The sailors' plight has drawn attention from unions representing them, including the Singapore Maritime Officers' Union and the Singapore Organisation of Seamen, which have called for the swift return of their phones to alleviate their distress. They emphasized the significant impact of losing contact with family members, especially for those with young children.
Support has come from various quarters, including Andrew Middleton of Apostleship of Sea, who recently visited the crew and found them in relatively good spirits despite their challenging circumstances. Efforts to boost morale have included providing SIM cards and temporary phones, care packages with Indian snacks, and handmade quilts from community groups.
Synergy Marine, the ship's Singapore-based management company, has ensured that the crew's needs are met, supplying catered Indian food and arranging religious services to offer emotional support. However, the timeline for their return home remains unclear, as their presence on the ship is deemed essential for its functioning during the recovery process.
Authorities continue to work towards refloating the ship and moving it out of the shipping channel. Once this is achieved, small groups of sailors may be granted shore passes with restricted movement. Meanwhile, ongoing support efforts aim to ease the crew's isolation and provide them with some comfort during this difficult time.
