A former U.S. Army and Marine veteran spoke with Fox News Digital, stating that the Dali cargo ship likely experienced electrical issues shortly after leaving the port before colliding with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse. The veteran, Jason Nelson, who was stationed near the bridge at Fort McHenry, explained that when a vessel experiences a power outage, it can lead to drifting and difficulties in making sudden adjustments. He suggested that the crew should have taken specific emergency maneuvers and brought the ship under the control of tugboats if they noticed issues, which did not happen in this case.
Two pilots were steering the cargo ship Dali when it lost power and crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in the collapse of the bridge and the death of six construction workers. This incident has raised questions about the specialized role of harbor pilots, who temporarily take control of a ship from its regular captain. Maritime experts have indicated that the lead pilot on the Dali likely did not do anything wrong, as there may have been little they could have done to prevent the collision. These harbor pilots navigate massive ships in and out of Baltimore’s port with minimal clearance and must be well-versed in various maritime factors.
The cargo ship Dali sent out a distress call before colliding with the bridge, allowing authorities to close the bridge to traffic and potentially avoid further casualties. The lead pilot on the ship took several actions, such as dropping an anchor, issuing steering commands, and calling for help from nearby tugboats. Despite these efforts, it is believed that the size and speed of the 95,000-ton ship made it impossible to prevent the collision once power was lost. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation into the incident to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the bridge collapse.
The Dali cargo ship’s collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge has highlighted the challenges faced by harbor pilots who navigate large vessels through narrow channels and busy ports. These pilots must possess extensive knowledge of charts, currents, and other maritime variables to safely guide ships in and out of harbors. In this case, it is unclear what caused the power outage on the ship and why the crew was unable to bring it under control before the collision. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and risks involved in navigating large ships in congested waterways.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has pledged full support for recovery efforts following the bridge collapse, emphasizing the importance of addressing the aftermath and ensuring the safety of residents and workers in the area. The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has had a significant impact on transportation in the region and has raised concerns about the structural integrity of other bridges in the area. Authorities are working to assess the damage, investigate the cause of the incident, and implement measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The Associated Press has contributed to the report on the Dali cargo ship’s collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the subsequent bridge collapse. The incident has brought attention to the role of harbor pilots in guiding ships through challenging waterways and the challenges they face in ensuring safe navigation. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with experts working to determine the factors that led to the collision and the collapse of the bridge. The response to the disaster, including the quick actions taken by authorities and the lead pilot on the ship, has been praised for minimizing the potential impact of the incident.
