On Wednesday night during a news conference, authorities confirmed that the bodies of Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35, and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, 26, were found by divers. The men were discovered inside a red pickup truck that was located about 25 feet underwater, as reported by Col. Roland Butler Jr.
The divers have transitioned from a recovery mission to a salvage operation due to the challenging underwater conditions. A barrier of bridge debris has hindered their access to the area where they believe the other victims are located, Butler mentioned.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore stated that the Dali, a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, lost power before colliding with the bridge around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The ship, weighing about 100,000 tons, caused significant damage to the bridge upon impact.
Four individuals from a work crew repairing potholes on the bridge when it collapsed are still missing and presumed dead. Two survivors have been identified, with one being hospitalized and released. The remaining victims are from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
The closure of the Port of Baltimore due to the bridge collapse will have global supply chain repercussions. The port, one of the largest economic contributors in Maryland, handled a record $80 billion worth of foreign cargo in 2023. The suspension of shipping operations will impact the national and international economy.
Rebuilding efforts for the damaged bridge and reopening the port are top priorities for federal and state authorities. President Joe Biden has pledged full federal support for the reconstruction, with estimates suggesting costs ranging from $40 to $50 million for clearing the waterway.
