New details have emerged in the investigation of the devastating March 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. A preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Tuesday, May 14, revealed that the cargo ship involved, the Dali, experienced an electrical blackout just hours before departing the port. This blackout, which occurred during routine maintenance, raises concerns about the ship’s seaworthiness and its potential role in the tragedy.
The report details how a crew member mistakenly closed an exhaust damper, causing the Dali’s engine to stall. While the issue was seemingly resolved, it highlights a potential underlying electrical problem. More crucially, the report states that the ship’s pilots, who were navigating the vessel when it struck a bridge support column, were unaware of this prior blackout.
This lack of communication between maintenance crews and the bridge could be a critical factor in the ongoing investigation. The blackout shortly after leaving port, which caused the Dali to lose power and steering, suggests a more serious electrical issue than initially thought. The NTSB report emphasizes the importance of determining the exact cause of the blackouts and ensuring proper communication protocols are followed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
With six lives lost in the bridge collapse, the public is understandably demanding answers. The NTSB’s investigation is ongoing, and this preliminary report sheds light on a potential contributing factor. Whether the electrical problems were the sole cause or just one piece of a larger puzzle remains to be seen. The investigation’s findings will undoubtedly have significant implications for maritime safety regulations and communication practices on cargo
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