MV Dali Ship Suffered Multiple Power Failures Before Colliding With Baltimore’s Key Bridge, NTSB Reports

In a tragic incident that shook Baltimore’s infrastructures and took six lives, a preliminary assessment by federal investigators revealed multiple power outages before the collision between the cargo ship and the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The MV Dali, a Singapore-flagged container ship, experienced several power outages, including two just moments before the accident occurred.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a report on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

The report revealed a series of events that ended in the collapse of part of the bridge, which had a disastrous impact on individuals’ lives and maritime activities.

According to the NTSB, the Dali experienced its first blackout about 10 hours before departing Baltimore while in dock for maintenance.

The ship’s generator malfunctioned, resulting in the blackout.

Minutes before the accident, the vessel suffered another power loss when electrical breakers failed, plunging the ship into darkness and destroying most onboard equipment and lighting systems.

The loss of electrical power had significant consequences for the ship’s movement.

All three steering pumps failed, putting the rudder stuck and the vessel adrift.

Despite the crew’s efforts to restore power, including restarting the systems, the Dali remained disabled and rushed towards the Key Bridge.

Video Credits: NTSBgov/YouTube

On March 26, 2024, at approximately 0129 Eastern Daylight Time, the 947-foot-long cargo vessel crashed with the southern pier supporting the Francis Scott Key Bridge’s central truss spans.

The hit forced a portion of the bridge to collapse into the river, with wreckage crashing onto the Dali’s forward deck.

Tragically, six construction workers employed by Brawner Builders who were working on bridge repairs were killed in the disaster.

Additionally, one crew member aboard the Dali was injured.

The incident prompted the US Coast Guard to categorise it as a catastrophic marine casualty, initiating a thorough safety investigation led by the NTSB.

The preliminary report’s conclusions highlight the significant role of electrical failures in the incidents leading up to the collision.

The report also cited previous power outages on the Dali, raising concerns about the vessel’s maintenance procedures and operating safety standards.

The crew, who were tested for drugs and alcohol both before and after the incident, tested negative for all substances.

Following the incident, a determined effort was made to limit the damage and restore essential transit lines.

President Joe Biden has committed federal funding for bridge repair, underscoring the situation’s urgency.

Crews have already begun demolition operations to free the Dali, which has been trapped beneath the wreckage since the horrific incident.

Reference: Marine Link

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