On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, a cargo vessel collided with a support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore MD causing it to collapse. Almost 32,000 cars per day traveled the 1.6 miles of this bridge which was part of the 695 Beltway.
Ship traffic has been halted through the Port of Baltimore, which is the 4th largest port on the East Coast and the 9th largest for international cargo. At this time 8 ships are docked in Baltimore until a channel large and deep enough for them has been created. Many more were working on alternate ports as they were not yet in port.
Most importantly 8 construction workers fell from the bridge when it was struck. Today, we know that 2 survived the fall, 2 did not, and 4 are still missing. In addition, it may be that other vehicles on the bridge at the time of collapse were also in the waters of the Patapsco.
We pray for God’s mercy and comfort to surround the families of those who were on the bridge. It is a time of deep grief for each of them.
There are response efforts taking place in several different ways. If you are moved to assist, you may help with the items needed or contribute to the SED (online or via postal system). All funds received will go to assist Baltimore Bridge Recovery.
Comfort Dogs: LCC (Lutheran Church Charities) is working with Comfort Dog teams on the East Coast to provide a presence in Baltimore. Our own Kezia, from Emmanuel, Catonsville, is already out and meeting folks.
The 8 families of the construction workers are being surrounded by prayer. Please continue to lift them up. During these next months, support for housing and food will be needed. We will work with The Lutheran Mission Society to gather food, gift cards, and other needs to help them during this time. Presently, the American Red Cross is covering immediate needs.
There are 8 ships with 180 crew members stuck in port for an unknown time – months at the least. They are required to bivouac on board, which means they must be on the ship at night. There is plenty of food on board the ship, but they need snacks, food coupons to local restaurants, tickets for the metro so they can go to DC for the day, and soccer balls. (The SED has already ordered soccer balls for each ship.) By the way, Dali, the ship that struck the bridge continues to sit in place with 22 crew who cannot leave the ship.)
A Command Center has been established at the dock. There are about 350 responders, divers, and welders operating from there. The Coast Guard is operating the Center and all the various military and government agencies involved are gathered here. A request for nutritious snacks and beverages was sent out.
Finally, 8,000 dock workers are finding their lives put on hold while they wait for the channel to be opened. These workers and their families will need food, basic items for everyday living, and our prayers. Working with the Lutheran Mission Society and their Fells Point Compassion Center, we will be providing resources to assist them.
As you can read, there are many ways we can assist in this moment of crisis. We have an opportunity to be a caring community that surrounds a crisis with resurrection hope.
- If you would like to make a financial donation, please go to SED give online and donate to Disaster Response and Recovery.
- If you would like to send an offering of gift cards: to Target, Walmart, or grocery stores (Giant Food, Harris Teeter, Weis Markets, Safeway) please send them to the District Office at 2305 N Parham RD, Suite 200, Henrico VA 23229.
- If you would like to send food items or snacks, please send them to Baltimore Bridge Recovery c/o Orphan Grain Train, 621 East-West Blvd, Millersville MD 21108.