The Singapore-flagged cargo ship sank in late March after a crew error caused a power outage the day before it crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, according to a preliminary report from federal investigators.
A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report says the Dali’s crew accidentally disabled the ship’s equipment during port maintenance while it was docked at Baltimore’s Sea Girt Marine Terminal on March 25. found to be responsible. The crew experienced a second accident. Power outage due to lack of fuel pressure in online generator.
It is still unclear what effect these early technical failures had on the ship’s loss of power before hitting the bridge.
In the early morning hours of March 26, when the Dali was just over half a mile from the bridge, the main power breaker, which provides power to most of the ship’s equipment and lighting, unexpectedly tripped, causing the ship to lose power and go out again. has occurred.
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On Monday, May 13, 2024, in Baltimore, explosives detonated a portion of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge that was being loaded onto the container ship Dali. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
The main propulsion diesel engine stopped after the pump lost power. The ship’s crew was able to restore power, called for assistance from tugboats, and the senior pilot ordered the ship to lower its anchor.
A second power outage then occurred and marine radio was sent out to warn marine traffic. The ship then struck the bridge’s main support pier, and the bridge collapsed within seconds.
The ship, which was headed from Baltimore to Sri Lanka, issued a Mayday alert long enough for police to stop traffic, but not enough to save the bridge worker who fell to his death.
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The board launched an investigation immediately after the bankruptcy. Director Jennifer Homendy said investigators boarded the ship to document the scene and collect evidence, including information from the ship’s data recorder and engine room. Investigators also interviewed the captain and crew members. The FBI has also launched a criminal investigation into the circumstances that led to the collapse.
Debris of the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains aboard the container ship Dali as President Biden conducts an aerial tour of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Friday, April 5, 2024. Viewed from a companion aircraft. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Senator)
Investigators also planned to review policies, training practices and other potentially relevant factors. And the design, engineering and condition of the bridge will be studied, she said.
On Monday, crews conducted a controlled demolition operation to destroy the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, a major step toward freeing the stranded Dali container ship.
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The NTSB said a full investigation could take more than a year. The Board’s interim report is likely to include some of the findings that will be presented in the final report.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
