Source of Baltimore ship ‘spillage’ not known, uncertainty around debris removal time: Synergy rep to WION

The massive ship which crashed into theiconic Baltimore bridge may have caused a leak in some of the containers, as per reports. However when WION reached out toSynergy Marine Group, it came to light that the source of the 'breach' is not yet known.

When asked if there was any spillage, the representativeDarrell Dillard fromSynergy Marine Group told WION that even though there are reports of a minor sheen on the water, the "source of the sheen is not confirmed."

A total of 20 Indian crew members were aboard the ship which hit the bridgeafter the power failure and subsequentloss of control on March 26.

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When WION inquired about them, a representative said that the crew members are "heavily" involved in the investigation process.

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However, when further probed whether they are being questioned over the incident, the representative said, "I would not say that they are being investigated but I would put it like this - as you know, after the incident, the Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would want to speak with them."

WION tried asking forthe identities of the Indian crew member and from where they belong.

However, a Synergy spokesperson said that they are not "revealing the names and other information about the Indian nationals as we do not want to jeopardise the case."

When further asked about the age group thecrew members belonged to, the representative reiterated that they would not want to disclose any information.

"Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)'s top priority is the safety of the crew members and their well being."

Also Read |Efforts escalate to clear Baltimore bridge debris after massive crisis

He noted that "there is medical aid aboard the vessel and the crew is well cared for."

Speaking over the estimated losses, Synergy group representative said that he does not want to speculate the losses just yet.

Baltimore bridge debris clearance

The ship, he said, remains in the same location where the incident took place. "The salvage experts are working out for the safest approach for the removal of the bridge debris."

However, when inquired about the time it will take to clear the debris, the representative said that "it still remains unclear"

"The situation is being closely monitored by the coast guard and the state officials," he added.

Watch |Baltimore bridge collapse: Huge crane to put in place to clear Baltimore bridge debris

"They are not only ensuring the safety of crew but also the safety of the responders and to minimise the spillage," the representative further said.

Assuring about the safety of the Indian crew members, the Synergy rep continued by saying, "Only one of the Indian crew members left the ship to get treatment at a local facility, and everyone else remained on the ship. The crew member that left is also back on the vessel now."

Another Synergy rep Pat Adamson said that the injured who required medical treatmenthad sustained "minor head injury".