Unified Command officials continued to evaluate the 'Dali' on May 16 in preparation for refloating the vessel and clearing the federal channel. They have evaluated sonar and lidar imagery but are awaiting results from a dive survey before proceeding with the plans to move the 'Dali' to the Seagirt Marine Terminal in the Port of Baltimore. This diver inspection was 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 dictated the securing or removal of severely damaged containers and overhanging wreckage from the initial bridge collapse onto the deck of the 'Dali'. This process was already underway and should be complete in the days ahead. During the complex operation of refloating the 'Dali', the 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. 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.
News
SALVAMAR MACONDO
On May 17 at 4:09 a.m. the CCS of Salvamento Marítimo in Las Palmas was notified of a cayuco warning 2.5 nautival miles from Mogán. The 'Salvamar Macondo' was mobilized to assist and located it. The boat with 126 sub-Saharan migrants, among them 12 women and one minor on board, was escorted to Arguineguín. Report with photo: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1791352460826599645
HUMANITY 1
The “Humanity 1” has rescued 28 people from distress in international waters. Among the refugees in a small, overcrowded wooden boat, which was unable to maneuver and without rescue equipment, were pregnant women, small children and babies. The crew of the rescue ship “Humanity 1” took the people on board on May 16. The castaways were exhausted, some seasick and dehydrated, but in a stable medical condition. The Italian authorities assigned the “Humanity 1” Marina di Carrara as a safe port, which, according to SOS Humanity, is more than 1,150 kilometers ways from the rescue site, with an ETA as of May 21. The voyage would take four to five days. The captain asked the MRCC to assign a closer port.
MV REINA HOSANNA
The 'Reinna Hosanna' capsized and sank while docked at the Balwharteco Port in the town of Allen in Northern Samar province in the Philippines on the morning of May 13. The ship started to list to port side at 2:30 a.m. LT and then submerged by the stern. The cause was still unknown. The ferry had previously run aground in the same province due to an engine failure on the night of Feb 11. Strong currents had swept the ship toward the coast of Barangay. A total of 71 passengers were rescued during that incident. The CGS Northern Samar responded to the scene to assess the situation and collaborate with the Marine Environmental Protection Unit on potential measures to prevent any oil spillage. No reports of oil spillage or leakage have been reported so far. Reports with photo and video: https://www.newsflare.com/video/646654/cargo-ship-capsizes-at-port-in-the-philippines https://remate.ph/kalahati-ng-barkong-nasangkot-sa-maritime-accident-lumubog-habang-nakadaong/
ISLAND BIRI
On May 9, 2024, the 'Island Biri' ran aground on the coast of Lajala, Coron Palawan. An area of 255 square meters sauare meters coral reef was damaged by the fast craft. An administrative case was to be filed with the PCSD against the owner of the vessel as soon as the investigation has been completed. The collected fines will also be used for the rehabilitation of the damaged reefs, which serve as a home and breeding ground for various fish.