A former U.S. Army and Marine veteran has suggested that the cargo ship Dali, which collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge leading to its collapse, may have been experiencing electrical problems shortly after departing the port. The veteran mentioned that a power outage on a vessel typically indicates an internal electrical systems issue. Observers noted that the ship was seen moving from the southwest, making a turn towards the bridge, and eventually drifting into a pylon.
According to the veteran, when a vessel loses power, it tends to continue drifting until power is restored, at which point adjustments are made. The veteran speculated that the crew might have attempted an emergency maneuver but lacked sufficient time to correct the course of the ship. Ideally, the ship should have been brought under the control of tugboats if any issues were noticed.
The cargo ship Dali, with two pilots at the helm, lost power and collided with a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in the tragic collapse of the bridge and the loss of six construction workers' lives. The incident has drawn attention to the role of harbor pilots, who temporarily assume control of ships during critical maneuvers.
Despite the efforts of the lead pilot, who issued distress calls, dropped an anchor, and sought assistance from tugboats, maritime experts believe that the massive 95,000-ton ship was unstoppable once it began heading towards the bridge. Harbor pilots in Baltimore's port are required to navigate with minimal clearance and possess extensive knowledge of maritime conditions.
The mayday call from the ship allowed authorities to close the bridge promptly, potentially preventing further casualties. While investigations are ongoing, initial assessments suggest that the pilots acted appropriately given the circumstances, and there may have been little they could do to prevent the collision.
