Bridge Collapse in Baltimore: What We Know So Far

In the early hours of Tuesday, the container ship Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing the bridge to collapse. Video footage reveals that the vessel lost power twice before drifting uncontrollably to the right. Despite the crew’s desperate attempts to drop anchors, a collision could not be avoided. Six people are reported missing following the incident.

Crew Details

Initial reports suggested the ship’s captain might be a Ukrainian citizen, though later updates confirmed that all 22 crew members are Indian nationals. Only one minor injury has been reported among them. Despite the crew’s efforts, the collision underscores pressing concerns about maritime safety and crisis management.

Vessel Specifications

Owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd, the Dali was en route from Baltimore to Colombo. The vessel has a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 116,851 and a capacity of 10,000 TEU. At the time of the collision, it was carrying 4,679 TEU.

Technical Issues and Past Concerns

According to The Washington Post, the Dali had recently passed through the Panama Canal and stopped in New York and Norfolk before arriving in Baltimore. While there were no incidents reported during its voyage, the ship has a history of mechanical issues.

During a stop in Chile, auxiliary machinery problems were identified, and an inspection in the Port of San Antonio revealed substandard fuel system pressure. Despite these issues, the ship was not detained, raising questions about whether previous mechanical problems contributed to the accident.

This tragic event highlights the critical importance of thorough maintenance, robust safety protocols, and effective response strategies in maritime operations. Investigations into the cause of the collision and its broader implications are ongoing.