Cargo ship that caused Baltimore bridge collapse had power blackouts

Baltimore, MD — The catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26, 2024, has been traced back to a series of electrical failures on the cargo ship Dali, which experienced multiple power blackouts hours before its departure from the Port of Baltimore. This incident resulted in the tragic deaths of six construction workers and has prompted a slew of investigations by federal and state authorities.

According to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Dali, a 947-foot-long Singaporean cargo vessel, encountered at least four electrical blackouts within a twelve-hour period before it left the port. These blackouts were caused by a crewmember's error in closing an inline engine exhaust damper during maintenance, which led to the ship's engine stalling and losing power.

The NTSB's report details that the first blackout occurred approximately ten hours before the ship's departure. This initial power failure was followed by three additional blackouts, which severely compromised the vessel's propulsion and steering capabilities. Despite these issues, the ship departed the port, only to lose power again minutes before colliding with one of the bridge's supporting columns.

The collision caused the bridge to collapse almost instantaneously, plunging the structure into the Patapsco River and trapping eight workers who were repairing potholes on the bridge. While two workers were rescued, six were pronounced dead at the scene. The bodies of the last victims were recovered in the weeks following the incident.

The NTSB's investigation, which began immediately after the collapse, involved boarding the Dali to document the scene, collect evidence, and interview the captain and crew members. The board's chair, Jennifer Homendy, emphasized the importance of understanding the sequence of events that led to the disaster to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

In addition to the NTSB's investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a criminal probe to determine whether the crew of the Dali was aware of the ship's electrical issues before it left port. The FBI's involvement is standard procedure in cases where there is potential criminal negligence, especially involving foreign-flagged vessels in U.S. territorial waters.

The FBI's investigation will focus on whether the crew neglected to report the earlier problems with the vessel, which may have contributed to the delay in its departure and the subsequent collision. The agency has already boarded the Dali to conduct court-authorized law enforcement activities and collect further evidence.

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has had significant repercussions for the Port of Baltimore, a critical shipping route for the sugar and automotive industries. The bridge, which carried approximately 34,000 vehicles daily, was a vital thoroughfare for commuters and commercial traffic. The incident has disrupted maritime traffic and severed access to the Beltway, causing widespread logistical challenges.

In response to the disaster, state and federal officials have committed to rebuilding the Key Bridge. However, the legal battle over who will bear the financial responsibility for the reconstruction is already underway. The Singaporean owner of the Dali, Grace Ocean Private Limited, and its manager, Synergy Marine PTE LTD, have filed a petition in federal court to cap potential liability payouts at $43.6 million. The city of Baltimore has countered this request, alleging that the companies fielded an incompetent crew that lacked the necessary skills and training.

The NTSB's preliminary report, which spans 24 pages, provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the collision but stops short of determining a probable cause. The final report, which is expected to take up to two years to complete, will include conclusions and safety recommendations.

Meanwhile, salvage crews have made significant progress in freeing the Dali from the wreckage. A controlled demolition of the largest remaining section of the collapsed bridge was executed, allowing the vessel to be refloated and transported to a nearby terminal for temporary repairs. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has also initiated a temporary alternate channel to restore maritime traffic.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the full scope of the incident and implementing measures to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. The NTSB is collaborating with the Maryland Transportation Authority to evaluate other bridges and assess the need for upgrades to existing pier protection measures.

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by maritime accidents and the critical importance of maintaining and monitoring the safety of both vessels and infrastructure.