The ongoing recovery mission in the Potomac River following Wednesday night's midair collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines plane faces significant hurdles. Sixty-four individuals were aboard the American Airlines flight en route to Reagan National Airport, while three soldiers were in the Army Black Hawk helicopter. All 67 people on both aircraft are presumed deceased, with 41 sets of remains recovered and 28 victims identified as of Friday afternoon.
Jake Crockett, a firefighter and diver with the Chesterfield Fire & EMS Scuba Rescue Team, highlighted the unusual scale of this tragedy. While trained for water rescues, these typically involve one or two victims. The sheer number of individuals involved, coupled with the debris from two aircraft, presents an unprecedented challenge.
Crockett anticipates the recovery could span weeks, prioritizing the return of remains to families. Locating and retrieving the two aircraft and all debris will likely be the most time-consuming aspect, crucial for the subsequent investigation.
The near-zero visibility in the Potomac River poses a major obstacle, forcing divers to rely entirely on touch and meticulous search patterns. While sonar can detect larger objects, divers must physically confirm each finding. The frigid water temperatures further complicate matters, limiting dive times even with protective gear and impacting dexterity crucial for the search.
The vastness of the Potomac, extending to the Chesapeake Bay, and its current add to the complexity. Divers must contend with the current's force, potentially affecting their stamina and displacing remains and debris. Crockett believes the recovery will take weeks due to the need for a thorough search across a wide area.
The initial search and rescue operation transitioned into a recovery mission after hopes of finding survivors diminished. The focus now lies on providing closure to grieving families. Crockett emphasized the importance of recovering the remains so families can properly mourn and lay their loved ones to rest. He affirmed that if called upon, his team stands ready to assist in this challenging endeavor.
