The FBI has confiscated communication devices from the crew of a container ship that crashed into a Baltimore bridge. The unexpected investigation has left the crew isolated and in need of support.
According to Daily Mail, the FBI seized phones and laptops from the Dali crew as part of a court-authorized investigation following the ship's crash. The incident resulted in the deaths of six road workers, and the crew sought solace from the Seamen's Church Institute (SCI) chaplains.
The crew's isolation deepened after their communication devices were taken, cutting off contact with family and friends.
SCI chaplains provided new SIM cards and other items to the crew during their visits to the stranded ship. The Dali ship, which is marooned under the bridge, had arrived in Baltimore from Norfolk and previously traveled to New York City and Panama.
SCI reached out to the U.S. Coast Guard to advocate for the crew's communication needs. The ship's operator eventually provided six new mobile phones to the crew while promising to return their original phones later. The investigation also coincided with the recovery of the body of the fifth construction worker who died in the collapse.
The deceased worker was identified as Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, a 49-year-old resident of Glen Burnie, Maryland. One worker, Jose Mynor Lopez, remains missing after the accident.
The workers, who were Latino immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, faced significant losses after the bridge collapse. A missing construction vehicle was later discovered, leading to the recovery of one body.
Maryland State Police and other agencies were involved in the recovery operations. They responded to the scene, recovering a body from a red truck with assistance from the FBI. The Dali ship has remained stationary since the collapse, and plans are in place to refloat it.
Maryland State Police Superintendent Roland Butler emphasized the importance of supporting the families affected by the tragedy. He expressed sympathy for the victims' families during the ongoing recovery efforts.
"We remain dedicated to the ongoing recovery operations while knowing behind each person lost in this tragedy lies a loving family," Butler said.
SCI chaplains, who spoke with the crew in their native languages, provided much-needed support. The U.S. Coast Guard and the ship's operator-assisted in restoring communication for the isolated crew. The Dali ship is expected to be removed by May 10, allowing maritime traffic to resume in Baltimore's port.
The investigation into the bridge collision is ongoing. Officials are focused on recovering the remaining missing worker and determining the cause of the accident. Despite the tragedy, the response efforts have highlighted the importance of community support during difficult times.
The crew of the Dali ship faced unique challenges as their devices were taken and their connection to loved ones was severed. The assistance provided by SCI chaplains and authorities has helped alleviate some of the crew's distress during this uncertain period. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on supporting those impacted and ensuring a thorough examination of the incident.
