Indian Crew Praised For Alerting Authorities About Power Issue Before Baltimore Bridge Incident

Cargo Ship — Screengrab from YouTube video posted by Insider News

In a distressing event early on Tuesday, the cargo vessel “Dali” collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a massive structural failure and plunging into the river underneath.

The Singapore-flagged vessel “Dali” is managed by Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. The ship was sailing from Baltimore toward Colombo.

Despite the incident, all crew members, including two pilots, are accounted for without injuries. The 22-member crew are Indian nationals. The crew alerted the authorities to a “power issue” before the tragic incident.

The vessel has a capacity of 10,000 TEU and was carrying 4,679 TEU when the collision happened.

Maryland’s governor, Wes Moore, confirmed that the crew members sent a Mayday call about a power outage, which halted additional vehicles from using the bridge.

Moore said he is aware that the investigation is ongoing. But he wanted to express his gratitude to the folks who could stop vehicles from accessing the bridge once the warning reached and notifications regarding a Mayday came through. These men are the heroes, he said.

He was thankful that between the Mayday and the collapse, some officials could start to stop the traffic so more cars weren’t on the bridge, he conveyed.

Jeffrey Pritzker, the executive VP of Brawner Builders, said the incident was unforeseen. He added that they take great pride in safety and have lights, barriers, flaggers, cones, and signs in place. But they never foresaw that the bridge could collapse.

Rescuers pulled two individuals from the water. One was rushed to a hospital and discharged several hours later. Brandon Scott, Baltimore’s Mayor, said the scene was like an action movie, referring to it as an unthinkable tragedy.

The Indian Embassy expressed condolences to those affected by the unfortunate accident at the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and said it has established a dedicated hotline for Indian citizens who may be impacted or need assistance.

The relevant authorities are investigating the cause of this tragic incident. The preliminary findings indicate it was an accident, and there is no credible evidence of a terrorist attack.

In association with other federal and state entities, Moore has declared a State of Emergency to manage the current crisis effectively. In the meantime, local officials and the US Coast Guard are engaged in response efforts and are collaborating closely with the vessel’s management.

The crew members notified the transportation officials when they lost control of the vessel, prompting the immediate shutdown of the Baltimore bridge ahead of the catastrophic consequence. Joe Biden says this move saved the lives of many.

Maersk, the firm chartering the “Dali,” expressed its horror and extended its thoughts to those affected. The tragedy has gained federal attention, with Joe Biden committing to pay a visit and extend financial support toward rebuilding efforts.

The collision has raised substantial concerns about maritime safety and the resilience of crucial infrastructure against such unforeseen events. As noted in the shipping records, the ship’s previous machinery issues may be the focal point in the ongoing investigations.

Reference: TOI

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