Baltimore bridge collapse: Netizens slam ‘racist’ cartoon on DALI ship’s all-Indian crew

A United States-based webcomic which is infamous for making politically incorrect cartoons, was slammed by netizens as well as Indian economist Sanjeev Sanyal, on Wednesday (Mar 27) for posting a clip which many called 'racist'. The cartoon by Foxford Comics of the all-Indian crew which was on board the DALI cargo vessel that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, on Tuesday, has invited public wrath.

About the cartoon

The cartoon shows the Indian crew members wearing just loin cloth and standing in what looks like the inside of the ship in muddy water as the vessel eventually approaches and collides with the bridge.

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WATCH |How Indian crew's SOS saved lives in bridge collapse

Subsequently, it shows the bridge falling. The comic is in the form of a small clip where the audio contains just a string of profanities.

Netizens slam ‘racist’ cartoon

The cartoon which has since garnered 2.6 million views on X was criticised by hundreds of people with many calling it 'racist', while also pointing out that the ship was likely being steered by a local American, according to the country’s laws.

This was also highlighted by Indian economist and member of the Economic Advisory Council to prime minister, Sanyal. “At the time that the ship hit the bridge, it would have had a local pilot,” he said.

“In any case, the crew had warned the authorities which is why the casualties were relatively few (for such a disaster). But, hey, why give up a chance to do racist cartoons,” Sanyal added.

Also Read |Baltimore bridge collapse: Joe Biden appreciates quick SOS sent by Indian crew on ship

“Why aren’t you guys doing something about this? I mean, racism against Indians has skyrocketed recently,” said one user responding to the Indian economist’s remarks.

Several other users called the comic “racist” and in poor taste after a tragic incident. “This racism-based mockery is in very poor taste,” said one user.

President Joe Biden praises Indian crew

Addressing the incident, United States President Joe Biden praised the local authorities for acting promptly seconds before the bridge collapsed and also hailed the Indian crew of the ship who sent the SOS.

“Personnel on board the ship were able to alert the Maryland Department of Transportation that they had lost control of their vessel, as you all know and have reported,” said the US president.

He added, “As a result, local authorities were able to close the bridge to traffic before the bridge was struck, which undoubtedly saved lives,” said the US president.

Also Read |Baltimore Key Bridge collapse: DALI ship’s all-Indian crew ‘doing fine’, firm’s rep tells WION

The ship was carrying 22 crew members,all of whom were Indians, the owners and managers of the Singapore-flagged container ship DALI had confirmed.

On Tuesday (Mar 26), six workers who went missing after the bridge collapse had been presumed dead.

The officials from the US Coast Guard and the Maryland State Police said that given the length of time that has elapsed since the bridge collapse and the frigid temperatures of the waters, there was little, if any, chance that they could be found alive.

(With inputs from agencies)