Loose Wire on Containership Dali Causes Blackouts, Contact with Baltimore Bridge
4 days ago
- #Maritime Safety
- #NTSB
- #Bridge Collapse
- A loose wire on the containership Dali caused an electrical blackout, leading to loss of steering and propulsion.
- The vessel veered and struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing its collapse and killing six highway workers.
- Investigators found wire-label banding prevented proper wire connection, leading to the blackout.
- Pilots and bridge team attempted to change the vessel's trajectory but were ineffective due to the loss of propulsion.
- The NTSB highlighted the lack of countermeasures to protect the bridge from large vessel impacts.
- The Dali is significantly larger than a previous vessel (Blue Nagoya) that struck the bridge in 1980 with minor damage.
- The NTSB issued safety recommendations to multiple agencies and organizations to prevent similar incidents.
- Bridge owners nationwide were urged to evaluate risks and implement protective measures.