Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapsed in Baltimore

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Major Collision Causing the Collapse of the Bridge

The recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, caused by a collision with a massive cargo ship, has prompted inquiries into the vessel responsible, a Singapore-flagged container ship named the Dali.

The Dali, measuring nearly 1,000 feet in length, was departing from Baltimore Harbor en route to Sri Lanka when it struck a support pylon of the bridge around 1:30 a.m. ET. Initial data suggests it was traveling at approximately 8 knots (about 9 mph) before the collision, as indicated by LSEG shipping data.

During the incident, the ship’s crew managed to send a critical emergency alert, allowing authorities to clear the bridge of further car traffic, potentially saving lives.

The Dali had previously been involved in a minor incident at Belgium’s Port of Antwerp in July 2016, where it sustained damages after striking a stone wall during unmooring maneuvers. However, it remained afloat and underwent repairs. Additionally, an inspection in Chile last year revealed propulsion and auxiliary machinery deficiencies, which were addressed before the vessel continued its operations.

Despite these incidents, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore confirmed that the Dali had passed overseas inspections and held certificates ensuring its structural integrity and functionality at the time of the Baltimore bridge collision. The ship had undergone two foreign port state inspections in June and September of the previous year, with minor issues rectified before departure.

The vessel was chartered by Danish shipping giant Maersk, who expressed condolences for those affected by the incident and pledged cooperation with investigations. Since the expansion of the Panama Canal in 2016, Baltimore’s port has handled some of the world’s largest cargo ships, dealing with goods ranging from automotives to machinery.

As investigations into the Baltimore bridge collapse continue, scrutiny over the Dali’s role in the incident remains a focal point, highlighting the importance of maritime safety and regulatory compliance.