BRUNSWICK, Ga. — It's been a day since a cargo ship lost power and struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, sending vehicles and people plunging into the water below.
While search efforts are ongoing, city officials have moved into the recovery phase. The impacts of the bridge collapse are expected to be felt for years to come, not only in Baltimore but up and down the entire East Coast, including Georgia.
In the wake of the catastrophe, there will be many disruptions to transportation and commerce. The very busy Port of Baltimore is completely shut down, and there is no timeline for when it could reopen.
Baltimore was the busiest port for vehicle shipments in the United States, and Georgia's Brunswick port is the second busiest.
11Alive reached out to the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) for answers on how the port will be impacted. The agency offered condolences on the tragic incident and provided insight into what Georgians can expect at ports in the state.
"The Georgia Ports Authority offers our thoughts, prayers and support to our Port of Baltimore colleagues and everyone involved in this tragic accident," the statement reads.
GPA also said several cars, trucks and tractor shipments will likely now be diverted to the Brunswick port.
The agency said customers have already begun to inquire about the next steps for upcoming shipments and interim solutions as officials believe it will take years to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
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