The MV Dali cargo ship that tragically collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge has finally begun its journey from Baltimore to Norfolk, Virginia, for major repairs.
The ship, with a crew of 21, including 20 Indian nationals and one Sri Lankan, had been marooned since March 26 after losing power and colliding with the bridge’s support, killing six construction workers.
Eight crew members have been allowed to return home after nearly three months of confinement aboard the vessel for investigations and salvage attempts.
Two others have also been permitted to travel abroad.
However, eleven crew members, including officers, remain indefinitely in the United States to assist with ongoing investigations into the incident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is handling the investigation, has uncovered issues with the ship’s electrical system, particularly failures in circuit breakers immediately before the incident.
Video Credits: Associated Press/YouTube
Initial findings suggest that a control circuit interruption may have caused the blackout that preceded the incident.
The US Coast Guard stated that the vessel is scheduled to transit directly to Virginia International Gateway to have roughly 1,500 cargo containers offloaded to reduce draft.
Following container offloading, the 106,000-ton vessel will undergo further salvage and repairs at Norfolk International Terminal.
While the NTSB investigation continues, the FBI has begun a criminal investigation into the incident.
The FBI emphasizes the importance of the bridge collapse and its larger consequences for maritime safety and port operations in Baltimore.
Despite the tragic impact and economic disruptions caused by the bridge collapse, efforts are being made to resume normal port operations.
Local and state officials plan to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge by 2028, demonstrating their commitment to minimizing the incident’s long-term impact on the region’s infrastructure and economy.
As the Dali begins its journey for repairs, concerns remain regarding the precise causes of the electrical failures that caused the accident.
Authorities caution that determining fault will take several months due to continuing legal and technological examinations.
Reference: CNN, PTI
MV Dali Ship Departs Baltimore 3-Months After Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide
Source: Maritime Shipping News