Cargo ship in Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapse had been in Portsmouth over weekend

BALTIMORE, Md. (WAVY) — The cargo ship involved in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore that is presumed to have killed six people had been in Portsmouth last weekend, according to the Port of Virginia.

In a statement, the Port of Virginia, which is already handling cargo that had been destined for Baltimore in the wake of the bridge collapse, said the Singapore-flagged container ship mv. Dali had been in Portsmouth at the Virginia International Gateway terminal and said its time there and its departure to Baltimore went “without incident.”

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin confirmed that the Port of Virginia, which issued a statement offering its services, is already handling cargo that had been destined for the Port of Baltimore, that port having suspended vessel traffic into and out of its port until further notice.

“We have our first ocean carrier that was supposed to be heading to Baltimore making a stop in Virginia and unloading all of their Baltimore cargo here,” Youngkin said. “We’ve got capacity to do it, and I think that’s really important.”

The Port of Virginia noted that it has “a significant amount of experience in handling surges of import and export cargo” and stands ready to help.

Vessel Finder noted that the ship, managed by Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd., had been at the Port of Virginia since the early morning hours last Friday, March 22, and stayed at the port for nearly 20 hours before departing for Baltimore just before midnight Saturday. It also indicated what ships had responded to the incident in the immediate aftermath.

The Dali, which had been in Panama earlier this month before first reaching the United States at the Port of New York/New Jersey, arrived in Baltimore around 2:15 p.m. last Saturday, according to Vessel Finder, and left the Port of Baltimore just after 1 a.m. Tuesday before the collision into the Key Bridge a short time later.

Youngkin released a statement of support amid the Baltimore Bridge collapse.

“I have spoken with [Maryland] Gov. Wes Moore this morning,” Youngkin said, “and Virginia stands ready to assist and support our neighbor Maryland. Our prayers are with the families affected and the courageous rescue efforts underway following the tragic incident at Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.”

The U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic is also working to help with the collapse aftermath. It is coordinating with Baltimore authorities in securing the site and searching for survivors.

Response boat crews from Coast Guard stations Curtis Bay — that’s near the bridge — and Annapolis have crews deployed to the incident for active search and rescue.

“On scene we currently have three small boats,” said Lt. Cmdr. Aaron Palmar of the USCG. “We also have Coast Guard Cutter MACO, an 87-foot patrol boat. We have a helicopter from Atlantic City.”

The incident has caused a disruption in local marine traffic in one of the country’s busiest ports, so it’s no surprise that the Coast Guard has established a 2,000 yard safety zone around the area.

During a news conference, Baltimore County Fire Department Chief James Wallace said two people have been pulled from the water. Seven vehicles are believed to be involved, but crews are still working to uncover more information.

Maryland Department of Transportation officials also confirmed contractors were on the bridge at the time of the collapse doing concrete repair work.

The container ship was departing Baltimore on its way toward Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Maryland Sen. Johnny Ray Stalling said the Francis Scott Key Bridge plays a vital role in both transportation and commerce.

“Losing this bridge will devastate the entire area, as well as the entire East Coast,” Salling said.

Check with WAVY.com for more updates.

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