A massive container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in the early hours of Tuesday morning, causing a significant portion of the bridge to collapse into the Patapsco River. The incident has led to a state of emergency being declared by Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, as the bridge is a crucial transportation link on the Eastern Seaboard to one of the largest ports in the country.
The vessel, named The Dali, was leaving the Port of Baltimore when it lost power and struck a critical component of the bridge, known as a pylon or pier. The ship’s crew issued a mayday call just before the collision, indicating they were struggling to steer the vessel. Despite the efforts of emergency workers, six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time of the crash are presumed dead.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the collision, with the National Transportation Safety Board gathering data from the ship’s voyage data recorder. Governor Moore has stated that the bridge was up to code and that the collapse does not appear to be due to a structural issue.
The Dali, registered in Singapore, was carrying 4,700 shipping containers on its way to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The ship’s crew, consisting of 24 members, including two Baltimore port pilots, were all accounted for and uninjured. The vessel has had previous inspections, with a deficiency related to gauges and thermometers reported last year.
President Biden has pledged federal support for the rebuilding of the bridge, emphasizing the importance of restoring this critical infrastructure. The incident has raised questions about the safety measures in place to protect bridges from such collisions and the need for improved regulations in the maritime industry.
As the investigation continues and the search for the missing workers continues, the community in Baltimore mourns the loss and looks towards rebuilding and recovery in the aftermath of this tragic event.
