US Coast Guard Calls Off Search and Rescue Operations

(Photo : Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) ended its search late Tuesday (Mar. 26) for six construction workers who were on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore when it was rammed by the cargo ship Dali and collapsed into the Patapsco River.

"At this point, we do not believe we are going to find any of these individuals still alive," Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath said at a news conference after dusk, citing cold water temperatures and the length of time since the collapse. 

Read Also: Pilot Aboard Ship Involved in Key Bridge Collapse Tried to Slow It Down: Report

Investigators are also preparing to board the ship to retrieve its data recorder. 

The BBC reported that the first missing construction worker was identified as Miguel Luna, from El Salvador. He and five other people from over Latin America were working for Brawner Builders filling potholes on the road bridge at the time of the collapse. 

Related Article: Exclusive: Video Shows Close-Up Look at Baltimore Key Bridge Collapse