Crews are working diligently to dismantle the remnants of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, which tragically collapsed almost three weeks ago. The race against the clock intensifies as workers strive to locate the remaining bodies and clear the harbor, relying on the assistance of the largest crane on the Eastern Seaboard.

The Key Bridge, a construction feat that spanned five years in the 1970s, is now being dismantled at an accelerated pace. The collapse occurred on March 26 when a cargo ship collided with one of its support structures, leading to the deaths of six construction workers. While investigators continue to piece together the chain of events, salvage crews are utilizing the Chesapeake 1000, a renowned floating crane, to remove massive sections of the bridge.

The operation, which involves dealing with heavy debris and complex underwater conditions, has been described as both tedious and dangerous. Robyn Bianchi, an assistant salvage master, emphasized the need for a methodical and slow approach due to the uncertain dangers lurking beneath the water, including rebar and concrete. To facilitate the process, workers are using propane torches to disassemble metal trusses before slicing them into more manageable pieces with giant shears.

Over 1,000 tons of steel have already been successfully removed from the waterway. Before any sections of the bridge are lifted, divers are dispatched to survey the murky wreckage and determine which parts can be safely extracted. The salvage crews are also striving to remove containers from the cargo ship Dali, which collided with the bridge. Once this task is completed, the Dali will be returned to the Port of Baltimore, as ensuring its removal is a priority.

So far, four bodies have been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to retrieve the two remaining bodies once more debris has been cleared. Additionally, the crews aim to open a temporary channel later this month to allow for the resumption of commercial traffic through the Port of Baltimore. The collapse has significantly impacted port operations, with officials setting a target to reopen the main channel by the end of May.

Meanwhile, in a significant development, the FBI has initiated a criminal investigation into the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The focus of the probe centers on the cargo ship Dali and potential violations of federal maritime law. Investigators are looking into whether ship personnel were aware of any technical or operational issues before the ship departed from the Port of Baltimore. The FBI has confirmed their presence aboard the Dali, conducting authorized law enforcement activity.

As the salvage operation continues and the investigation unfolds, the city of Baltimore and maritime authorities remain committed to bringing closure to this tragic incident. The retrieval of the bridge's debris and the bodies of the victims, along with the reopening of key channels, will play a crucial role in the healing process for the community affected by this devastating incident.