Fury as 21 sailors are still marooned on Baltimore bridge cargo ship TWO months after deadly collision

Maritime unions are calling for the 21 seaman still stranded on board the Dali ship seven weeks on from the fatal Baltimore bridge collapse to be freed. 

The 950ft container ship slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, leaving six construction workers dead and everyone on board the vessel marooned.

Comprising 20 Indians and one Sri Lankan, the crew has not been able to access their phones or leave due to an ongoing joint probe by the FBI and NTSB. 

Two Singaporean maritime unions said they are 'deeply concerned' about the criminalization of the Dali seamen and the 'emotional distress' this is causing. 

Singapore Maritime Officers' Union (SMOU) and the Singapore Organization of Seamen (SOS) representatives visited the Dali April 24 to check on the crew's welfare. 

Maritime unions are calling for the 21 seaman still stranded on board the Dali ship seven weeks on from the fatal Baltimore bridge collapse to be freed

The remaining section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was blown up on Tuesday in a controlled demolition in a key step toward freeing the Dali 

They said in a May 11 statement that 'morale has understandably dipped' due to 'unfounded fear of criminal liability' which is causing 'emotional distress'. 

This is compounded by 'loss of communication' with family members due to their mobile devices being confiscated as part of the investigations, the unions added. 

SMOU and SOS are calling for the seamen's phones to be returned and extensions for Maryland shore leave visas which are also proving an obstacle to their escape. 

The unions are urging investigators to allow the expedited repatriation of members who are not required to stay for further questioning. 

'While we cooperate fully with the investigation, recent actions have caused undue hardship for the crew,' said SMOU General Secretary Mary Liew. 

'The criminalization of seafarers based solely on their position on board a vessel during an incident is a growing concern. 

'We urge all parties involved to prioritize a fair and balanced approach that protects the rights of seafarers and ensures their swift repatriation if they are not required for further investigation.'

SOS President, Kam Soon Huat, added that he is 'deeply concerned about the mental health and overall well-being of seafarers currently onboard the MV Dali'. 

The aftermath of the controlled explosion is seen. Officials say the demolition went as planned and they don't anticipate any more explosives being needed to free the Dali

But US Coast Guard Admiral Shannon Gilreath said the crew is 'part of the ship' and their presence is 'necessary to keep the ship staffed and operational'. 

Federal investigators found the Dali cargo ship experienced electrical blackouts 10 hours before leaving the Port of Baltimore, and again just before the bridge crash. 

The remaining section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was blown up on Tuesday in a controlled demolition in a key step toward freeing the Dali. 

The Dali is likely to be floated this week, but it's unclear when it will be able to make the two nautical mile journey to port. 

Investigations into what exactly caused the crash are ongoing.