A recent report from the National Transportation Safety Board has shed light on the events leading up to the tragic collision between the cargo ship Dali and the Baltimore Key Bridge in March, resulting in the bridge's collapse and the loss of six lives.
The investigation found that the Dali had experienced power failures four times prior to the crash, with two of these incidents occurring just hours before the collision. Despite these issues, the ship's captain assured the pilot who boarded the vessel in Maryland that it was in good working order.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy highlighted two key findings from the report. Firstly, the Dali had suffered a blackout before departing from the port of Baltimore. Secondly, the crew attempted to address electrical problems by using circuit breakers that had not been utilized for months.
The report detailed a harrowing four minutes on the ship's bridge as it was being controlled by a port pilot and an apprentice. Efforts were made to summon tugboats, clear the bridge, and drop an anchor to halt the ship, but these measures proved futile. The collision occurred at 1:29 AM on March 26, with the ship breaching protective barriers in the Patapsco River.
Homendy emphasized the need for improved protection of bridges like the Key Bridge, urging lawmakers to conduct risk assessments and address structural vulnerabilities promptly. The NTSB's investigation is ongoing, with a final report on the probable cause expected within 12 to 24 months.
As the NTSB continues to analyze vast amounts of data related to the incident, the report serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of critical infrastructure along navigable waterways.
