BOURNE, Mass. (WPRI) — It’s no secret that the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore will be studied for years to come.

 

The bridge plunged into the Patapsco River early Tuesday morning after a cargo ship crashed into one of its support pillars. The cargo ship lost power and steering capabilities moments before impact.

 

The ship’s crew issued a mayday call that gave authorities enough time to limit traffic on the bridge. Six construction workers who were filling potholes on the bridge when it collapsed are still missing and have been presumed dead.

 

The Massachusetts Maritime Academy is looking for ways to incorporate the scenario into its training exercises to better prepare cadets for issues that might arise while at sea.

 

“These types of operations happen every day, all over the world, without incident,” said Captain Michael Burns, executive director of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s Center of Maritime and Professional Training. “But operating ships at sea is still a dangerous business.”

 

Read more at wpri.com.