By Abraham Kenmore
SCDailyGazette.com
COLUMBIA — South Carolina is standing by to assist Maryland, if necessary, after the collapse early Tuesday, March 26 of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which plunged several construction workers and vehicles into the water.
“It is a tragic situation, and we would urge everybody to pray and keep them in your prayers and thoughts,” Gov. Henry McMaster told reporters. “We’re in full gear to help (Maryland) as much as we can.”
The Scott Key bridge collapsed in seconds after being struck by a container ship pulling out of the harbor about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. Two people were rescued, and six remained missing Tuesday afternoon.
South Carolina’s directors of emergency management and transportation contacted their Maryland counterparts to offer assistance, McMaster said, adding he personally left a message with the office of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.
The bridge fell across the harbor entrance. While the wreckage is cleared, other East Coast ports could get busier, he said.
That could include Charleston, he said, though other ports are closer.
“I would expect some more ships in the harbor and that will mean more traffic on the road to unload and to load and leave,” McMaster said. If that happens, he added, “have patience and realize the reason is the tragic situation in Maryland.”
SC Ports Authority CEO Barbara Melvin stressed that they’re ready to help.
“As a U.S. East Coast port, S.C. Ports and the entire maritime community stand ready to assist any ocean carrier customers and importers and exporters in this time of tragedy,” she said. “We are here to offer support to ensure fluidity in the U.S. supply chains, which is critical to our economy and daily lives.”
McMaster also sought to ease concerns about a similar catastrophe in South Carolina. Acknowledging that residents might be particularly worried about the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge over the Cooper River, the governor said it is reinforced with concrete, and its large stone base is designed to provide stability and protect it from ships that go off course.
Abraham Kenmore is a reporter covering elections, health care and more. He joins the S.C. Daily Gazette from The Augusta Chronicle, where he reported on Georgia legislators, military and housing issues.
S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
