Stranded Shipping Vessel Crew in Baltimore Harbor Faces Uncertain Return

The crew of the shipping vessel that collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge has been stranded on board for over two weeks, sparking questions about why they haven’t been allowed to leave. Representatives from the Key Bridge response team and the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center explained that the crew is still considered a working vessel and is assisting with recovery and cleanup efforts. The crew, mostly from India and Sri Lanka, have ample supplies on board but it’s unclear when they will be able to return home.

While anchored in Baltimore Harbor, the crew has had access to mental health resources and morale-boosting activities to cope with the isolation and aftermath of the crash, which resulted in six deaths. The crew member who was airlifted off the ship for medical care was returned soon after, and coordinating further shore leave would be difficult due to the active investigation and lack of direct access to the shore. The crew is not being refused shore leave, but the current conditions are not conducive to it.

The crew of the Dali ship remains stuck in Baltimore Harbor, as they continue to support the Unified Command mission operations and cooperate with the ongoing investigation. The crew, prepared for a 35-day voyage that would have included their return to South Asia, may face uncertainty if the ship needs to remain in Baltimore beyond that time window. Despite being in good spirits and health, the crew’s return home is still uncertain, leaving them stranded on board the vessel.

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