Statement By Harold J. Daggett, President, International Longshoremen’s Association On the Collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge In the Port of Baltimore

NORTH BERGEN, NJ (March 26, 2024) The International Longshoremen’s Association extends prayers to those impacted by the collapse this morning of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Port of Baltimore.

“Our 85,000 members of the ILA send our collective prayers to our Sister and Brother ILA members in the Port of Baltimore and all residents there following the early morning collapse of the Key Bridge after it was struck by a cargo ship,” said ILA President Harold J. Daggett. “First and foremost, we stand ready to assist Federal, State and Local officials as they engage in their current search-and-rescue effort.

“Our ILA International Vice President Scott Cowan, and ILA Atlantic Coast District Vice President Michael Coe, leaders of the ILA in the Port of Baltimore, are keeping our international officers updated of this terrible incident,” continued President Daggett.

“We fully understand that the Port of Baltimore, and our ILA longshore workforce there are facing difficult challenges ahead, as Baltimore Port Officials are uncertain how long vessel traffic will be suspended, the ILA Leader stated. “Rest assured, our ILA members will not face these challenges alone.”