1 of 7 | People on shore view the Dali cargo vessel and what remains of the the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Md., on Friday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
March 29 (UPI) — The largest crane on the eastern seaboard arrived Friday in Baltimore as cleanup efforts get underway to clear the Patapsco River of wreckage after this weeks Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.
The 1,000-ton crane arrived in the area Thursday night at around 11 p.m. local time. A survey is underway to assess damage before work crews begin removal of the heavy and sharp pieces of concrete and metal, a U.S. Coast Guard official told USA Today.
Officials said 14 containers of the 56 that were being transported on the 213 million pound ship — a Singapore-based vessel named “Dali” — were “impacted” which carried hazardous material but there is no immediate environmental threat.
The crew — 20 of who are Indian nationals — are said to be “in good shape” with only one with minor injuries, the Indian government said Thursday.
The waterway could be closed off for over a month, an expert told CNN.
The FBI Baltimore office in a statement Friday said the airspace around the wreckage is a “no drone zone” after the Federal Aviation Administration implemented a temporary flight restriction around the remains of the bridge within a three-mile radius, as well as 1,500 feet above ground.
The FBI warned drone operators that anyone caught flying a drone in the restricted area may be subject to fines or imprisonment.
“Drone operators need to know that we take seriously any incursion in the restricted airspace around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Such incursions threaten the safety of those involved in the investigation of the bridge collapse and the recovery of victims. We will investigate and prosecute anyone who violates the ‘no drone zone,'” U.S. Attorney Erek Barron said in a statement.
The Biden administration approved Maryland’s request for $60 million in emergency federal funding to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed earlier this week after a cargo ship struck the structure.
Maryland had made the request Thursday, with the Department of Transportation stating the quick release Emergency Relief funds were made available to the state within hours.
The department described the funds as “a down payment toward initials costs” with additional Emergency Relief program funding to be made available as rebuilding continues.
“The federal emergency funds we’re releasing today will help Maryland begin urgent work, to be followed by further resources as recovery and rebuilding efforts progress,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.
“President [Joe] Biden has been clear: the federal government will do everything it takes to help rebuild the bridge and get the Port of Baltimore back open.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the $60 million is to pay for initial mobilization,