More than 36 hours after a cargo ship collided into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, rescue efforts have turned into a recovery mission. The six missing construction workers still haven’t been found, but the search is continuing to recover their bodies.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recovered the ship’s data recorder, (‘black box’) and will begin investigating.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said it is estimated that 8,000 jobs are directly implicated, between $100 to $200 million in cargo moves in and out of the Port of Baltimore every day, and about $2 million dollars in wages every day. There isn’t a timeline yet as to when the port will be reopened, but it will be after the channel is cleared. Buttigieg also said rebuilding the bridge won’t be quick, simple or cheap.

The Coast Guard said hazardous materials that were on board aren’t a threat to the public. Vice Admiral Peter Gautier, U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commandant said underwater surveys are underway and debris assessment removal is being examined to determine how to remove the structures.

No foul play or terrorist activity is expected.

By - FZ