In a significant development, the cargo ship, Dali, which had been stuck at the entrance to the Port of Baltimore since the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse on March 26, has finally been cleared. According to officials from the US Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic Office, the vessel is now expected to sail to Virginia for necessary repairs and to unload its cargo.

The Coast Guard will closely monitor the Dali's journey and will accompany the ship to ensure a safe arrival at the Norfolk International Terminal. The crew of the ship had been stranded on board during the salvage operation to clear the wreckage of the bridge and free the vessel. However, now that the ship is free and in transit, 10 out of the 21 crew members have been permitted to leave the Dali and return home, according to CBS News.

The remaining 11 crew members, all Indian nationals, are expected to be housed in Baltimore as the investigation and litigation surrounding the bridge collapse continue. Reverend Josh Messick, from the Baltimore International Seafarers' Center, expressed his charity's efforts to assist the remaining crew members but cautioned that they might be stuck in the US for an extended period. He explained, "They'll be here for the duration of the litigation process, which could take a year or more. And when all is said and done, there may be one or more of them that remains even longer."

Synergy Marine, the company responsible for managing the Dali, has assured that it will cover the expenses of food and lodging for the crew members while they remain in the US. The Singapore Maritime Officers' Union previously stated that the crew had been distressed by an unwarranted fear of personal liability for the accident, despite evidence suggesting otherwise in the ongoing investigation.

Initial findings from the National Transportation Safety Board indicate that the crew of the Dali followed protocol when the vessel experienced two power outages while departing the Port of Baltimore. However, the second outage caused a loss of steering and propulsion, leading the ship to collide with one of the bridge's support columns, resulting in the tragic collapse.

As the investigation continues, the focus will now shift to the repairs and determining the extent of damages to both the bridge and the cargo ship. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with maritime operations and the importance of adhering to rigorous safety measures.