The pilot of the ship that crashed into the Baltimore bridge on Tuesday took all necessary measures to prevent the accident, according to Clay Diamond, the executive director and general counsel of the American Pilots Association. Diamond revealed that just minutes before the collision, the ship experienced a total blackout, losing both engine power and electrical power.
Despite the blackout, the pilot acted swiftly by issuing commands to slow down the ship and prevent it from drifting towards the bridge. These commands included turning the rudder hard to port and dropping the anchor in an attempt to avert the collision. The pilot also took the initiative to contact the pilot dispatch office to halt traffic on the bridge.
However, Diamond noted that the sudden loss of power and the limited time available made it challenging for the pilot to avoid the crash. Although the ship's lights flickered back on, indicating that an emergency generator had kicked in, the engines failed to restart.
Diamond emphasized the extensive and rigorous training that pilots undergo, which includes years of experience navigating ships, classroom simulations, and practical training under the supervision of licensed pilots. Despite the pilot's best efforts, the circumstances leading up to the crash posed significant challenges that ultimately resulted in the collision with the bridge.
