The cargo ship Dali, which caused the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore, has finally resumed its journey after nearly three months of being stuck. The 984-foot vessel set sail for Virginia on Monday, with four tugboats guiding it out of Baltimore. The ship, which is under the supervision of the U.S. Coast Guard, is being accompanied by a safety zone of 500 yards to ensure a smooth trip.
The Dali, with a full crew of 22 and six salvage experts on board, is scheduled to first stop at Virginia International Gateway to unload around 1,500 cargo containers in order to reduce its draft. It will then proceed to Norfolk International Terminal for further salvage and repairs caused by the bridge collapse.
The incident occurred on March 26 when the ship lost power and propulsion, crashing into one of the bridge’s supporting columns. Tragically, six construction workers lost their lives in the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the incident and found that the ship had experienced two power outages prior to leaving the Port of Baltimore. The exact cause of these electrical failures is still under investigation.
In addition to the NTSB investigation, the FBI has launched a criminal investigation into the incident. The Dali’s crew members have been restricted from leaving the U.S. since the crash but were recently granted permission to return home under an agreement approved by a federal judge. However, they must remain available for depositions related to the incident.
The bridge collapse has had significant economic consequences, affecting thousands of longshoremen, truckers, and small business owners who rely on the port for their livelihoods. Local and state officials have prioritized reopening the port and restoring normal traffic capacity to mitigate the economic ripple effects.
In a positive development, officials recently announced the reopening of the Fort McHenry federal channel after clearing the wreckage from the channel. This step paves the way for the gradual restoration of port operations.
Looking ahead, officials aim to rebuild the bridge by 2028. The estimated cost of rebuilding the bridge is at least $1.7 billion, according to the Department of Transportation. The reopening of the shipping channel and the resumption of the Dali’s journey mark crucial steps towards achieving this goal.
In conclusion, the resumption of the Dali’s journey signifies progress in recovering from the tragic bridge collapse. The ongoing investigations and efforts to reopen the port will not only restore economic activity but also ensure the safety and well-being of those involved in maritime operations.
