BALTIMORE — Six workers are presumed dead after the Francis Scott Key Bridge suffered a catastrophic collapse in Baltimore early Tuesday morning. As the mission turns to a recovery effort on Wednesday morning, we spoke with an expert to get some perspective on what that means.
Curt Newport lives in Alexandria. He describes himself as a 50-year veteran of undersea operations down to 18,000 feet of sea water. He says over the years, he's worked on recovery efforts for several high-profile undersea operations like the space shuttle Challenger, and TWA Flight 800.
Newport says this recovery effort comes with some unique challenges for crews.
"It's a very big bridge that has collapsed in the water and there's all kinds of wreckage down there. It's very easy to get tangled and lose equipment. It's very challenging," he said.
While the workers are presumed dead and rescue efforts were suspended, but Newport said families should not give up hope.
"You don't give up until somebody recovers a body. Until then, there's always a chance," Newport said.
RELATED: Baltimore harbor, one of the nation's largest, closed indefinitely by fatal bridge collapse
RELATED: 'This is no ordinary bridge' | Rescue operation suspended after Baltimore Key Bridge collapse
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