A number of casualties have been reported after a vessel collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, USA.
It has been reported that the Singapore-flagged container ship, called DALI, hit a column of the bridge in the early hours of Tuesday morning before collapsing.
The container ship arrived in Baltimore from Norfolk on Monday having previously been to New York City and Panama.
Responding to this mass casualty event, Stuart Rivers who is CEO of leading maritime charity the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) said:
“We are saddened to hear of this tragedy.
“Our hearts go out to each and every one affected by this mass casualty incident and we are praying for everyone’s safety at this horrific time.”
The MNWB is the umbrella charity for the UK Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets which provides welfare support to its 45 constituent members. Among those are Mission to Seafarers and Stella Maris who have an international presence in Baltimore.
Mr Rivers added: “The MNWB is ready to support its members, colleagues and the wider maritime sector during this crisis as the extensive search operation is carried out in the Patapsco River.”
