Prayer vigil held for victims of Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse: 'It's catastrophic'

BALTIMORE -- Six workers who went missing after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the water below early Tuesday morning are presumed to be dead, the U.S. Coast Guard announced.

The Coast Guard called off the search operation because of water and weather conditions, and crews will resume a recovery mission early Wednesday.

Community leaders and members gathered at nearby Mount Olive Church of Turner Station for a prayer vigil.

"One thing I know about those of us in Baltimore, whether you're in Baltimore City or Baltimore County, whenever there is a tragedy, we come together," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said.

The power of prayer is what's getting members of the Turner Station community through an unthinkable tragedy.

Turner Station is located not far from where the Historic Francis Scott Key Bridge stood for 47 years.

"It's heartbreaking," said Gloria Nelson, from Turner Station Conservation Teams. "It's catastrophic and something that we would think would never happen in our lifetime."

In just a matter of hours, elected leaders, faith leaders and community members put together a prayer vigil to honor the construction workers who were on the bridge fixing potholes when it collapsed.

"As a faith community, we wanted to come together to support not only the victims of this disaster, but also the community at large just to make sure at the end of the day they're covered in prayer," Pastor Rashard Singletary said.

The vigil also honored the first responders who worked throughout the day to search for the construction workers.

"We lift up in prayer the incredible first responders who without hesitation sprung into action," said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. "Our fire departments, our police departments our coast guard. Thank you first responders for being servants of God."

The men presumed to be dead are from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, and they currently live in Dundalk and Highlandtown, according to our media partners at The Baltimore Banner.   

The Banner reports the men are in their 30s and 40s and have spouses and children.