On the early hours of Tuesday, a dramatic event unfolded at the Port of Baltimore, as a massive cargo ship lost power and issued a mayday call before colliding with the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
The ship, known as the Dali and flying the flag of Singapore, was approximately 948 feet long and had departed from Baltimore bound for Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The collision occurred around 1:30 a.m., prompting a rapid response from emergency services. Prior to the impact, the ship’s distress call provided officials with crucial time to halt traffic on the bridge and potentially avert further disaster.
Despite these efforts, six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time of the collision went missing, while two others were rescued.
The fate of the missing workers remained uncertain as rescue operations, involving divers, boats, and helicopters, continued throughout the morning.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore swiftly declared a state of emergency in response to the incident. He emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting a terrorist attack, characterizing the event as a tragic accident.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the White House, commending the quick actions of those who halted traffic on the bridge, potentially saving lives. He pledged federal support for ongoing search and rescue efforts and the eventual reconstruction of the bridge.
The National Transportation Safety Board announced its intent to launch a comprehensive investigation into the collision, aiming to determine its causes and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Additionally, the US Embassy in Singapore initiated communication with the country’s Maritime and Port Authority to coordinate assistance efforts.
Further details emerged regarding the vessel involved in the collision. The Dali had been chartered by Danish shipping company Maersk and was operated by charter vessel company Synergy Group.
While all crew members on the ship were reported safe, an inspection conducted last year in Chile had noted deficiencies related to the vessel’s propulsion and auxiliary machinery, specifically regarding gauges and thermometers.
Efforts to clear the channel for ship traffic and restore normal operations at the Port of Baltimore were underway, with collaboration between federal, state, and international authorities. Despite the devastation caused by the collision, there was a concerted effort to address the immediate aftermath and work towards long-term solutions.
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