Nearly a week after the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, approximately two dozen sailors remain stranded aboard the vessel involved in the accident.
The majority of the crew of the Dali, a 948-foot (289-meter) container ship, hails from India. During the collision with the bridge, one crew member sustained minor injuries.
Tragically, the collapse claimed the lives of six individuals.
Efforts to ascertain the precise cause of the collision are ongoing, leaving the crew’s departure timeline uncertain.
Here’s what we know about the men on board the Dali and their current situation: at the time of the accident, 21 crew members were present on the vessel, which was only minutes into its 27-day voyage to Sri Lanka.
India has confirmed that 20 of them are Indian citizens, comprising a significant portion of the approximately 315,000 Indians employed in the global maritime industry, second only to Filipinos.
According to the US Coast Guard, one crew member is from Sri Lanka.
Last week, an Indian official reported that the crew, including the injured member who required stitches, were all in good health.
Beyond this, little public information exists regarding the crew’s background or experience. Sources indicate they have been notably reserved amidst the unfolding investigation, possibly due to uncertainty about public perception and the sensitivity of their situation.
Andrew Middleton, who oversees the Apostleship of the Sea program, has maintained frequent contact with the crew since the collision, noting their well-being.
Joshua Messick, Executive Director of the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center, has also communicated with the crew regularly, observing their reticence amidst the circumstances.