New sonar images have unveiled the devastating aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, now lying in ruins at the bottom of the Patapsco River. The 3D images provide a haunting view of the once-iconic bridge submerged in the dark waters. These photos were shared on X by the US Army Corps of Engineers, sourced from the @USNavy Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA) and the Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV).
According to the post, the underwater sonar imaging tool, known as CODA Octopus, has been crucial in surveying the wreckage. The visibility for divers is severely limited due to the river’s muddy and loose bottom, ranging from one to two feet. Divers are navigating in challenging conditions akin to driving through a snowstorm at night with high-beam headlights, relying on detailed verbal guidance from operators above viewing real-time CODA imagery.
The incident has led to legal actions, with the owner and manager of the cargo ship involved in the bridge collision filing a court petition to limit their liability under US maritime law. This legal process will determine the responsibility and financial obligations related to the disaster.
The bridge collapse tragically claimed the lives of six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time, along with two individuals whose bodies were recovered from the Patapsco River. The ongoing investigations and legal proceedings underscore the gravity of the Baltimore tragedy and the impact it has had on the local community.
As efforts continue to assess the damage and address the aftermath, authorities are working diligently to understand the sequence of events leading to the bridge collapse and to ensure accountability for the loss of lives and the environmental impact caused by the incident.
Sources By Agencies
