Seven weeks ago, the Dali cargo ship crashed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, forever altering the lives of its 21 crew members. Since the incident on March 26, the crew has been confined to the ship, grappling with the tragic loss of six construction workers and enduring the stress of prolonged isolation.
Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, president of The Seamen’s Church Institute, visited the Dali crew a week after the accident. He found them consumed with anxiety and grief, mourning the loss of life and uncertain about their own futures. Their situation is compounded by the fact that their US visas have expired, leaving them stranded on board indefinitely.
The Dali, a massive 984-foot vessel, requires constant care even when stationary. Maritime regulations mandate that a crew remains on board to handle potential hazards such as machinery failures or fires. Philip C. Schifflin Jr., director of the Center for Mariner Advocacy, emphasizes the importance of having seafarers ready to respond to any issues that may arise.
The situation worsened when the FBI confiscated the crew’s cell phones as part of its investigation into the crash. Although new phones were provided, only some SIM cards have been returned, adding to the crew’s sense of isolation and fear. This has led to what the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union describes as an “unfounded fear of personal criminal liability” among the seafarers.
Despite these challenges, the crew remains busy with their regular duties and assisting salvage operations. Darrell Wilson, spokesperson for Synergy Marine Group, the company managing the Dali, notes that the seafarers are professionals doing their best in an abnormal situation. They play a crucial role in helping salvage crews navigate the ship and ensure everything is in working order.
The crew’s plight has drawn attention to the personal sacrifices made by seafarers worldwide. As Schifflin points out, the goods we take for granted daily are often transported by these invisible workers who spend months away from their families.
The Dali was recently towed to the Seagirt Marine Terminal for temporary repairs. However, the crew’s future remains uncertain. Authorities have not determined when the investigation will conclude or when the vessel will be deemed fit to sail. There are calls for extending the crew’s visas and allowing nonessential members to temporarily disembark to relieve their mental stress.
This incident underscores the often-overlooked hardships faced by seafarers. As the crew of the Dali continues to wait for answers, their resilience and dedication to their duties remain steadfast, even in the face of immense adversity.
Source:CNN
