On Friday evening, July 27th, Crofton Diving received a call from a representative of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel regarding the tragic accident involving a tractor trailer and two passengers. In the middle of the night, divers made preparations for the salvage operation and arrived on site just before sunrise. Upon discovery of the tractor trailer, divers determined that the bridge had incurred no underwater damage. Crofton has a rich history of service on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, dating back to 1959 during preparations for its construction. This year, we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of providing ongoing underwater bridge inspections at the CBBT. Thank you to Roger Belch and Eric Mullen, who worked together to coordinate the dive team who would execute the salvage. Thank you to Sam Smith (Underwater Inspection Superintendent), Jeffrey Collins, Curtis Wade, and Lewis Myers—for their commitment and responsiveness during such a challenging salvage and recovery operation. And thank you to the tub and barge crews who transported the recovered trailer. Crofton wishes to convey our deepest condolences to the families of the drivers and to those involved in the accident.
The recovered tractor trailer is carried to Little Creek on the 230-ton 4100 Manitowoc crane barge, pushed by the Pinners Point on July 28th. Photos by The Virginian Pilot.
