My understanding is that both ends of the bridge were shut down to traffic after the ship's junior pilot sent out the distress call. They did not have to wait for dispatching to outside authorities to shut down traffic since there were already police stationed at both ends for traffic control due to work crews on the bridge. My understanding is that the 6 missing were from the work crew. It could have been worse.
It seems to me that if this was an intended terror attack they usually seek to maximize casualties. Therefore, the bridge would have been hit during rush hour in the morning. In addition, many trucks hauling hazardous materials are not allowed to use the tunnel so they transport across that bridge. So from a pure terror standpoint, this event underproduced.
My understanding is that both ends of the bridge were shut down to traffic after the ship's junior pilot sent out the distress call. They did not have to wait for dispatching to outside authorities to shut down traffic since there were already police stationed at both ends for traffic control due to work crews on the bridge. My understanding is that the 6 missing were from the work crew. It could have been worse.
It seems to me that if this was an intended terror attack they usually seek to maximize casualties. Therefore, the bridge would have been hit during rush hour in the morning. In addition, many trucks hauling hazardous materials are not allowed to use the tunnel so they transport across that bridge. So from a pure terror standpoint, this event underproduced.
Here is an excellent breakdown of events by a shipping expert. Dali Timeline from Data Recorder in Striking Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, March 26, 2024