Weeks on the Ship
The Dali cargo ship crashed into a Baltimore bridge on March 26, killing six construction workers. The 20 Indians and one Sri Lankan on board have been confined to the ship ever since. They’ve mourned the deaths of those lives lost, had their cell phones confiscated by the FBI and endured a series of controlled explosions to break apart a massive piece of bridge stuck atop the ship’s bow.
The crew members are anxious to leave the ship and go home, but they don’t know when that will be possible. Their visas have expired, and the ship is still under investigation. In the meantime, they are staying busy with their ship duties and helping investigators and salvage crews.
Why They're Still Stuck
There are a number of reasons why the Dali crew is still stuck on the ship.
- Maritime rules say the ship must be staffed.
A massive vessel like the 984-foot, 106,000-ton Dali requires constant care, even if it’s not moving. And a ship stuck on a river still faces a host of potential hazards.
- The ongoing investigations.
The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating the crash. Until the investigation is complete, the ship will not be allowed to leave the Baltimore area.
- The ship’s condition.
The Dali is still damaged from the crash. It is not clear when or if it will be repaired.
- The crew’s visas.
The crew members’ one-month visas expired during the nearly two months they’ve been trapped on the Dali. They will need to get new visas before they can leave the United States.
Coping with Stress
The Dali crew is coping with the stress of being stuck on the ship in a number of ways. They are staying busy with their ship duties and helping investigators and salvage crews. They are also receiving support from their families, friends, and unions.
The crew members are grateful for the support they have received, but they are also eager to go home. They miss their families and friends, and they are worried about their future.
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