The cargo ship Dali, which has been stranded for nearly two months after hitting a bridge in Baltimore, is set to be refloated and moved to a nearby marine terminal. However, the ordeal continues for the 21 crew members, including 20 Indians, as they are uncertain about their future.
The refloating operation, scheduled for Monday, comes after a section of the collapsed bridge was removed, enabling the vessel's movement. The process is meticulously planned to ensure control over the ship throughout the operation.
For the Indian crew members, the situation remains challenging. Their visas have expired during their confinement aboard the ship, and there is no immediate plan for their next steps. The International Transport Workers’ Federation is awaiting guidance from immigration authorities regarding their status.
The crew has been trapped on board since the accident on March 26, when the ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The collision prompted an investigation, during which the crew's mobile phones were confiscated by the FBI.
Despite the impending move of the ship to the marine terminal, the crew members may have to remain on board until the investigation is completed. Their visas expiring further complicates their situation, prolonging their confinement on the ship.
The crew members face additional challenges, including limited communication due to confiscated phones and no access to the internet. They are unable to pay bills or contact their families back home in India, adding to their isolation and distress.
As the investigation into the crash continues, there is uncertainty about when the crew members, particularly the 20 Indians, will be able to leave the ship and reunite with their loved ones. The expiration of their visas poses an additional hurdle to their departure, indicating that their ordeal may persist for some time despite the ship's impending relocation to the terminal.
