Sonar images reveal remnants of Francis Scott Key Bridge in Patapsco River

Photo : X

New sonar images have unveiled the eerie sight of the destroyed remnants of the Francis Scott Key Bridge resting at the bottom of the Patapsco River. The images, shared by the US Army Corps of Engineers on X, were provided by the @USNavy Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA). These images showcase the wreckage of the once-famous bridge submerged in the dark waters of the river.

According to the post, the images were captured using an underwater sonar imaging tool called CODA Octopus. Due to the murky conditions of the river with visibility limited to one to two feet, the divers are working in challenging conditions. The bottom of the Patapsco River is covered with four to five feet of mud and loose sediment, making the operation even more difficult.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel

The divers rely heavily on the real-time CODA imagery and detailed verbal directions from operators on vessels topside to navigate through the virtual darkness. The post highlights the complexity of the operation, likening the divers' visibility to driving through a heavy snowfall at night with high-beam headlights on.

📷 JUST RELEASED: This imagery, supplied by the @USNavy Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA)
Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), shows the wreckage resting at the bottom of the river where the Francis Scott Key Bridge once stood. #FSKBridge 1/3 pic.twitter.com/SJVI39bK3c

— USACE Baltimore (@USACEBaltimore) April 2, 2024

In another development, the owner and manager of the cargo ship involved in the bridge collision have filed a court petition seeking to limit their legal liability for the disaster. This legal procedure, known as "limitation of liability," is governed by US maritime law. A court in Maryland will determine the extent of responsibility and the amount owed by the parties involved.

The collapse of the bridge tragically resulted in the loss of six lives, all members of a construction crew working on the bridge at the time. Additionally, two bodies were recovered from a pickup truck submerged in the Patapsco River following the incident.

The investigation into the bridge collapse continues as authorities work to understand the circumstances leading to this devastating event and its aftermath.