Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse: What horrors could survivors trapped under water be facing now?

Hours after the large cargo ship collided with Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore Tuesday, authorities are currently looking for nearly 20 people who are believed to have fallen into the river as experts explain how the cold water is endangering their lives.

Derek Van Dam a meteorologist associated with CNN told the outlet: "The temperature inside water and land is impacting the search operation. It is also affecting the people inside the water and in water conditions."

The water temperature in Patapsco River is 48°F and the air temperature is roughly 46°F, Van Dam said, adding that "the air is colder than water and water temperature of even 50°F does not sound too cold but it can be deadly."

"Cold water drains body heat around four times faster than cold air," he said.

According to the statistics, the people rate of people is one to three hours in water.

Cold shocks and hypothermia are the concerned experts because they arise when the body enters cold water without protection.

Earlier, Kevin Cartwright, director of communications of the Baltimore City Fire Department, noted that the temperatures around the port at 1:30am ET felt to be around 30°F (-1°C).

The Baltimore Fire Department Chief James Wallace was reported as saying that at least two people have been rescued so far with one having no injury while the other with critical injuries.

Authorities are currently searching for 20 people however, Wallace said that officials are searching for upwards of seven people.