The cargo ship Dali experienced multiple electrical blackouts before leaving the Port of Baltimore and eventually crashing into the Francis Key Bridge, killing six construction workers. The National Transportation Safety Board provided details on how a crewmember’s mistake led to the engine stalling, leading to the power outages. Testing of the ship’s fuel did not show any concerns, and the ship was headed to Sri Lanka with supplies for a month-long voyage. The investigation into the incident could take a year or more.
After the initial blackout, a backup generator kicked in but failed due to insufficient fuel pressure, leading to a second blackout. Crew members then switched the ship’s electrical configuration before departure. Investigators are still exploring the connection between the earlier power issues and the final blackout that caused the bridge collision. The NTSB’s investigation began immediately after the collapse, with data collection from the ship’s engine room and interviews with the crew.
The moments leading up to the bridge collapse were chaotic as crew members struggled to address a series of electrical failures. The ship lost power while near the bridge, causing the main propulsion diesel engine to shut down and resulting in loss of steering. Attempts were made to restore power manually, and tugboats were called for assistance. Despite efforts to restore power, it was too late to prevent the collision with the bridge, which collapsed into the river, claiming the lives of six workers.
One crew member survived by freeing himself from his work truck, and a road maintenance inspector managed to escape before the bridge fell. A controlled demolition was conducted to remove the largest remaining span of the collapsed bridge, which trapped the damaged ship. The ship is expected to be refloated and guided back to the Port of Baltimore soon. Investigators are working with the ship’s manufacturer, Hyundai, to identify the cause of the electrical failures and blackouts.
The Dali arrived from Singapore a week before the crash, making stops in Newark and Norfolk before reaching Baltimore. Investigators have not found any other power outages in those ports. The preliminary report released by the NTSB is only a fraction of the findings expected in the final report, which may take over a year to complete. The FBI has also initiated a criminal investigation into the circumstances leading to the bridge collapse. The tragic incident has raised questions about the safety procedures and maintenance practices on cargo ships operating in US ports.
