A critical electrical blackout on the Dali cargo ship led to a devastating collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing its collapse and claiming the lives of six workers. Federal agencies are investigating the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy.
Dali Cargo Ship Collision with Francis Scott Key Bridge: Key Details
On March 26, 2024, the Dali cargo ship experienced critical electrical blackouts that led to a catastrophic collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in the collapse of the entire structure and the tragic death of six construction workers. The incident occurred as the Dali was departing the Port of Baltimore, en route to Sri Lanka, carrying a load of shipping containers and supplies for a monthlong voyage.
Federal investigators, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FBI, have been examining the sequence of events leading up to the disaster. The preliminary report from the NTSB revealed that the first power outage occurred during maintenance when a crew member mistakenly closed an exhaust damper, causing the ship’s diesel engine to stall. Despite the activation of a backup generator, insufficient fuel pressure caused a second blackout, leading to the crash just as the vessel was passing under the bridge at 1:29 AM.
Crew members made last-minute efforts to restore power and requested tugboat assistance, but the actions were insufficient to prevent the collision. Consequently, the steel span of the bridge fell, plunging six roadwork crew members to their deaths into the Patapsco River.
The 21 crew members aboard the Dali, mainly from India and Sri Lanka, have been confined on the ship since the incident as investigations continue. Their personal phones were seized, raising concerns about emotional distress and an unfounded fear of personal criminal liability. The ship remains grounded, and ongoing efforts include controlled demolitions and salvage operations aiming to refloat the vessel.
The final report from the NTSB is expected to take more than a year, with the FBI also conducting a criminal investigation into the power outages and subsequent collapse of the bridge.
