The cargo ship Dali finally left Baltimore for Virginia almost three months after losing power and crashing into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse. The 984-foot vessel was assisted by four tugboats, sailing under its own power with a full crew of 22 and six salvage experts. The U.S. Coast Guard was overseeing the voyage and had established a 500-yard safety zone around the ship during its trip. The Dali was scheduled to offload roughly 1,500 cargo containers at Virginia International Gateway before continuing to Norfolk International Terminal for salvage and repairs.
The ship had been stuck amidst the wreckage for almost two months after crashing into the bridge’s supporting column, resulting in the deaths of six construction workers. The National Transportation Safety Board discovered that the ship had experienced two power outages before the incident, with another occurring right before the bridge collapse. The cause of these electrical failures is still under investigation, with the FBI launching a criminal inquiry as well. Members of the Dali’s crew were granted permission to return home under an agreement confirmed by a federal judge, ensuring their availability for depositions.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge had a significant economic impact, affecting thousands of longshoremen, truckers, and small business owners who relied on the port for their livelihoods. Local and state officials worked to reopen the port and restore its traffic to normal capacity to alleviate the economic ripple effects of the incident. The reopening of the Fort McHenry federal channel was announced, after clearing wreckage from the waterway, as officials strive to rebuild the bridge by 2028. The reopening of the port and restoration of its traffic were prioritized to support the affected workers and businesses in the area.
The Dali had been refloated on May 20 and guided back to port, where it remained for further salvage and repairs from the damage caused by the bridge collapse. Despite the challenges faced by the crew and the vessel, the Coast Guard continued to oversee the voyage and ensure the safety of the ship and its crew during the journey to Virginia. The successful departure of the Dali marked a significant step towards recovery and restoration for the port and its workers, as efforts continue to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge and address the aftermath of the tragic incident that occurred nearly three months prior.
