Freighter’s Power Loss Led to Catastrophic Bridge Collision in Baltimore

The massive cargo freighter that struck and demolished a major bridge over Baltimore’s harbor had radioed for tugboat assistance minutes before the fatal collision, citing a loss of power, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Citing audio from the ship’s data recorder, NTSB officials say the pilot of the Singapore-flagged Dali reported experiencing a power failure and inability to maneuver as the vessel was departing Baltimore Harbor bound for Sri Lanka.

Just moments later, the 1,095-foot freighter plowed into a support pylon of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a critical highway artery linking Baltimore’s downtown to surrounding suburbs. Most of the 47-year-old bridge crumbled into the Patapsco River mouth in the devastating impact.

Obsolete Design Made Bridge Vulnerable

NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy stated that the Francis Scott Key Bridge lacked modern structural redundancies that could have prevented such a catastrophic collapse. The bridge’s 1976 design did not incorporate backup measures common in newer spans to help withstand a localized impact.

The collision has indefinitely closed Baltimore’s bustling port and blocked shipping channels, dealing a major economic blow to the region. Port of Baltimore officials said it could take weeks to clear the wreckage and debris scattered across the harbor.

Search for Victims Hampered by Conditions

As of Wednesday, the remains of just two of the six workers presumed killed in the bridge disaster had been recovered from the wreckage-filled waters.

Maryland State Police Colonel Roland Butler said dive teams located a red pickup truck containing two bodies in about 25 feet of water near the fallen bridge’s mid-section. However, worsening conditions forced the temporary suspension of search efforts.

Butler explained that sonar indicated additional submerged vehicles were “encased” within the underwater debris field from the collapsed bridge, making them extremely difficult to extract safely.

Economic Impact Mounting

The catastrophic bridge failure has severed a crucial transportation link used by thousands of commuters per day across Baltimore’s harbor. It has also paralyzed operations at one of the U.S. East Coast’s busiest shipping ports.

With the extent of damage still being assessed, it remains unclear how long it will take to reopen vital shipping lanes or construct an interim highway crossing to restore vehicle traffic flows. Business leaders warn the prolonged closure could cost the regional economy millions per day.

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Investigation Ongoing into Cause of Freighter’s Power Loss

As the NTSB continues investigating the root cause of the freighter pilot’s reported power loss, the agency says it will scrutinize potential issues with the vessel’s engines, steering systems and crew response, among other factors.

According to trackers, the Singapore-flagged Dali had just taken on cargo in Baltimore before attempting to depart for its destination in Sri Lanka when the catastrophic bridge strike occurred.