Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City helping at Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapse
The Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City is helping and are sending crews to help in search and rescue efforts.
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The U.S. Coast Guard said it's coordinating with local, state and federal agencies, including crews from New Jersey, in response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore Tuesday morning.
The Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City sent crews to help in search-and-rescue efforts.
Several vehicles fell into the chilly waters when a container ship rammed into the bridge.
Two people were pulled from the waters, one in serious condition, according to Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace.
MORE: Baltimore bridge collapses after powerless cargo ship rams into support column; 6 presumed dead
"We are still very much in an active search-and-rescue posture at this point, and we will continue to be for some time. We have a large area that we have to search. This includes on the surface of the water, subsurface, as well as on the deck of the ship itself,” Wallace said.
A Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and Coast Guard investigators and pollution responders responded to the incident.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey issued the following statement about the collapse:
“Our thoughts are with all of those impacted by this collapse. The Port Authority is in touch with our counterparts in Baltimore, and we stand ready to assist with emergency resources and any other assistance that may be needed. The Port of New York and New Jersey is proactively working with our industry partners to respond as needed and ensure supply chain continuity along the East Coast," wrote Bethann Rooney, port director for the Port Authority.
The bridge spans the Patapsco River at the entrance to a busy harbor. The river leads to the Port of Baltimore, a major hub for shipping on the East Coast.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there has been a 2,000-yard safety zone issued for the surrounding waters. Mariners are urged to avoid the area.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.
