#57 - The Skyway Bridge Disaster | Robert Raiola & Mike Betz

Robert Raiola and Mike Betz are former Florida DOT divers who were in charge of inspecting thousands of water bridges over the span of their careers. Their job was to dive under every bridge and thoroughly inspect each piling for structural integrity below the waterline. On may 9th 1980 At 7:38 in the morning, a freighter hit the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay. A 1,400 feet section of the bridge collapsed, killing 35 people. My guests today, Bob & Mike were the first divers in the water that day to attempt to rescue and retrieve victims of what is known as one of the worst disasters in Florida’s history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices