Federal authorities have launched an investigation into a collision between a large cargo vessel and the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The incident occurred shortly after the vessel left the Port of Baltimore. Moments before the collision, the ship reported a loss of power, which prompted authorities to stop traffic and begin evacuation efforts.
Rescue Operations and Search Efforts
On the afternoon of the accident, emergency teams began searching for six construction workers who were working on pothole repairs on the bridge at the time of the collision. Divers, emergency boats, and helicopters were deployed in the search. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken charge of the investigation but paused further inquiries until the search is complete.
Government and Safety Responses
Maryland Governor Wes Moore described the accident as horrific and dismissed speculation about terrorism, a view also supported by the FBI. The Francis Scott Key Bridge is part of the Interstate 695 loop.
Initial concerns arose over drivers who might have been trapped underwater in the Patapsco River. However, an emergency alert from the Singapore-flagged Dali allowed authorities to stop traffic in time, preventing further disaster. Federal and state officials praised the quick action for potentially saving many lives.
Presidential Remarks and Federal Support
President Biden praised the swift response to block traffic and acknowledged the life-saving decision. He assured the public that Coast Guard search and rescue efforts would continue. Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would work to clear the channel for shipping, allowing the port to resume normal operations. The President also announced federal funding to assist in the reconstruction of the port.
NTSB’s Role and Investigation
The NTSB is working to secure the ship’s recorders to aid in the investigation. They have refrained from boarding the Dali so as not to interfere with ongoing rescue operations. Although the ship’s mayday alert was issued, the road maintenance crew remained on the bridge during the incident. Two workers were later rescued from the water; one was hospitalized but released the same afternoon.
Collision Details and Ship’s Journey
The cargo ship Dali, which measures 985 feet, struck a bridge pillar around 1:30 a.m. It had departed the Port of Baltimore at 1 a.m., heading towards Colombo, Sri Lanka. All crew members, including the two harbor pilots on board, were safe, with no injuries reported.
Previous Inspections and Findings
An inspection conducted in Chile the previous year revealed deficiencies in the Dali’s propulsion and auxiliary machinery, specifically with its gauges and thermometers. However, the ship’s owners declined to comment on the findings.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, which opened in 1977, is named after the Maryland native who penned the U.S. national anthem. It serves approximately 30,000 commuters daily, according to Maryland officials.
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