Ship That Caused Baltimore Bridge Collapse Lost Power Twice Before Crash

A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board states that the cargo ship that collided with Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge in March experienced two significant electrical failures minutes before the crash. The report also notes that the vessel had two blackouts a day before the incident.

The ship, named the Dali, lost power completely after leaving the port and was unable to avoid crashing into the iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge. Despite the crew's desperate attempts to regain power and control of the vessel, they were unable to prevent the collision.

The crash resulted in the collapse of the 1.6-mile-long steel structure, killing six construction workers on the bridge and blocking crucial shipping routes in and out of the Port of Baltimore.

The NTSB's investigation is focusing on the ship's electrical system, with particular attention to the circuit breakers and power system. The manufacturer of the ship's power and brake system, Hyundai, has been assisting in the investigation.

The NTSB Chair, Jennifer Homendy, stated that the voyage data recorder has been recovered and is being reviewed in the NTSB lab. She emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and that the focus remains on the people affected by the disaster.

The incident has had a significant impact on the local community and the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest on the East Coast. The reopening of the waterway is considered critical for the U.S. economy.