The National Transportation Safety Board is actively investigating the March crash of the Dali cargo ship into Maryland's Francis Scott Key Bridge, which resulted in six fatalities and significant damage to the bridge and the Patapsco River crossing. Following initial findings in May, where the NTSB reported multiple electrical power losses aboard the vessel before the incident, including a blackout during maintenance and just before the crash, the focus has shifted to examining critical electrical components.
NTSB investigators are meticulously scrutinizing these components at their materials laboratory, supplemented by in-person interviews conducted with the ship's crew. Their objective includes evaluating the design and functionality of the Dali's electrical power distribution system comprehensively, aiming to uncover all factors contributing to the accident.
During recent proceedings, the Maryland Transportation Authority temporarily closed the Bay Bridge to facilitate the safe passage of the Dali on its way to Norfolk, Virginia, for necessary repairs. This event underscores ongoing safety measures and logistical challenges posed by the aftermath of the bridge collision.
Critical moments before the crash included multiple power outages, with electrical breakers unexpectedly tripping approximately four minutes prior to impact, leading to a loss of essential shipboard lighting and operational equipment when the vessel was merely 0.6 miles (1 km) from the bridge. Despite crew efforts to restore power, a subsequent blackout occurred 0.2 miles (about 320 meters) from the bridge, disabling all three steering pumps and rendering the rudder immobile.
Recent developments saw the successful removal of 50,000 metric tons of debris, enabling full access to the channel affected by the incident. Meanwhile, plans for the reconstruction of the bridge, estimated between $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion, are underway, with federal authorities expediting environmental approvals in anticipation of completion by late 2028.
In parallel, the FBI initiated a criminal investigation into the bridge collapse in April, underscoring the severity and legal implications of the incident. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a nationwide evaluation to assess the structural integrity and safety of similar bridges across the country in response to the Maryland disaster.
The ongoing NTSB investigation into the Dali cargo ship crash remains pivotal, aiming not only to ascertain the immediate causes but also to institute preventive measures and regulatory changes that safeguard against future maritime accidents of this magnitude.
