Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapses after container ship collision

In the early hours of Tuesday, a maritime incident unfolded in Baltimore, United States, that had immediate and dramatic consequences. A Singapore-flagged container ship, named Dali and operated by a crew of 22 Indians, rammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The collision led to a significant portion of the bridge collapsing, with vehicles and nearly 20 people plunging into the Patapsco River below. The shipping company Maersk, which had chartered the Dali, confirmed the crew’s nationality and reported that all members had been accounted for without injury.

The vessel, measuring 300 meters in length, struck the bridge at a speed of eight knots, issuing a Mayday call moments before the impact. This warning allowed for some traffic to be halted, potentially saving lives. Maryland Governor Wes Moore lauded the ship’s crew, describing their actions in the moments leading up to the collision as heroic. Despite their efforts, the accident led to vehicles on the bridge warping and crashing into sections, with ongoing rescue operations to find at least seven missing individuals.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott referred to the event as an “unthinkable tragedy,” likening it to scenes from an action movie. The mayor emphasized the need to focus on the families and individuals impacted by this disaster.

Maersk released a statement on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge expressing horror at the events in Baltimore and extending thoughts to all affected. The company clarified that while Dali carried Maersk customers’ cargo, no Maersk personnel were onboard. Investigations by authorities and the Synergy Marine Group, which manages the Dali, are underway, with Maersk pledging to keep customers informed.

The tragic incident highlights the critical importance of maritime safety and infrastructure integrity. Such accidents underscore the need for stringent safety protocols and emergency preparedness to prevent future tragedies. The rapid response from emergency services and the crew’s efforts to alert authorities likely mitigated further loss of life. However, this event serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards posed by maritime operations close to critical infrastructure.

As investigations continue, the maritime community and public officials must work together to address safety concerns and ensure the resilience of infrastructure against unforeseen events. The Francis Scott Key Bridge tragedy in Baltimore calls for a comprehensive review of maritime and infrastructure safety standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.