Salvage crews were continuing to clear debris from the collapsed Baltimore bridge on Thursday.

Footage shows contractors working to remove the submerged sections of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Officials said the task involves the meticulous transfer of containers and the extraction of wreckage from the underwater debris field. While salvage crews are deploying specialised equipment and techniques to carefully navigate the challenging underwater environment.

The Dali vessel reportedly lost power before ramming into a support pillar of the bridge, plunging the structure into the river as it fell apart within seconds early morning on March 26.

The ship's pilot reportedly issued a 'mayday call' minutes before the collision, allowing Maryland transportation officers to stop oncoming traffic onto the bridge.

Officials are still searching for at least six people believed to be trapped in the wreckage of the bridge.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said that central to the response efforts is the meticulous removal of debris from the Key Bridge, a 'task undertaken with precision and urgency'.

They added: 'The primary objectives of the Key Bridge Response Unified Command remain steadfast: safeguarding the well-being of the public and first responders, ensuring accountability for missing individuals, facilitating the safe restoration of transportation infrastructure and commerce, preserving the environment, and aiding in the investigation process.'