Watch: Update on Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Authorities on Wednesday began the search for the bodies of six construction workers who were working on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore when it was struck by a cargo ship and collapsed into the Patapsco River.

The Dali, a Singapore-flagged cargo vessel, lost power before colliding with a support column of the bridge, the second-longest continuous truss bridge span in the world, officials said. Though a "mayday" gave authorities on the ground time to halt traffic, eight construction workers on the bridge were plunged into the river.

A massive search began early Tuesday, with divers, helicopters and sonar from dozens of agencies being used. Authorities rescued two people before officials called off the search-and-rescue mission Tuesday evening. The missing workers were presumed dead based on the temperature of the water and the amount of time that had elapsed. Authorities said after a pause overnight because of a strong current and low visibility, they would transition to recovery efforts.

"We do not know where they are but we intend to give our best effort to help these families find closure," said Col. Roland L. Butler Jr., Maryland State Police superintendent.

Read moreBaltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship collision

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