Joe Biden has said search and rescue is his "top priority" after the Baltimore bridge collapse.
It comes after the freight ship smashed into a bridge while sailing out of Baltimore earlier today, sending cars and people into the river below and closing one of the busiest ports on the US East coast.
The President has confirmed that he intends for the federal government to cover the full cost of rebuilding the bridge.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore and other officials described the scope of a search and rescue mission. Both Moore and Baltimore FBI field officer in charge William J. DelBagno said there is no evidence to suggest terrorism was involved.
The Dali cargo vessel is seen after running into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland
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President Biden said: "It's my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge and I expect the congress to support my effort."
"This is going to take some time...we're not leaving until this job gets done."
The President also confirmed that he will be going to Baltimore "as soon as possible."
He said: "Ship traffic and the port of Baltimore has been suspended until further notice. And we'll need to clear that channel before the ship traffic can resume."