In a devastating incident that struck Baltimore early on Tuesday, March 26, four out of six construction workers presumed dead have been identified following the catastrophic collision of a massive container ship with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The disaster unfolded when the cargo ship Dali struck the bridge at 1:30 a.m., leading to its total collapse into the Patapsco River.

Family members have named Miguel Luna and Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval among those present on the bridge when the tragedy occurred. In a subsequent update, officials disclosed that two bodies were retrieved from a submerged vehicle, identified as fellow construction workers Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera.

Described as "hard-working, humble men" by a colleague at Brawner Builders—the company responsible for the bridge's maintenance work—the community and the company alike are in mourning. "The company is in mourning and it’s a terrible, unanticipated tragedy,” lamented the executive vice president of Brawner Builders to the Baltimore Banner.

As the initial search efforts yielded minimal success, the operation has now shifted towards a salvage recovery mission, according to the US Coast Guard.

Profiles of Courage and Loss

Miguel Luna: Luna's disappearance came to light when he did not return home from his shift on the bridge. His wife, María del Carmen Castellón, and other family members were granted access to the restricted zone, clinging to hope for any news of their loved ones. Luna, a father of three from El Salvador, had made Maryland his home for over 19 years, a statement from the nonprofit organization Casa revealed.

Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval: Martin Suazo, Sandoval's brother residing in Honduras, shared the heartbreak of learning his brother was missing post-collision. Sandoval, an entrepreneur who had migrated to the US for a better life, leaves behind a wife, an 18-year-old son, and a five-year-old daughter. The Suazo family now hopes for the recovery of his body to conduct a proper funeral.

Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes: Fuentes, 35, from Baltimore, was found alongside Cabrera in a red pickup truck submerged in the river. The discovery was announced in a press conference that included officials from the US Coast Guard, Maryland Department of Transportation, and state Governor Wes Moore. Identification was made through a driver’s license and fingerprint analysis.

Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera: Cabrera, 26, from Dundalk, Maryland, and originally from Guatemala, had been employed by Brawner Builders for three years. According to his sister-in-law, Pima Castillo, Cabrera cherished his job and had migrated to the US with dreams of supporting his family back home.

The victims, hailing from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, were engaged in pothole repair on the bridge at the time of the incident. The loss has united the community in grief and solidarity, with over $200,000 raised through fundraisers to support the families of the victims. As the city comes to terms with this tragedy, the emphasis shifts to recovery and remembrance of the lives lost in this unforeseen disaster. To make a donation, go to the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.