Cargo ship involved in Baltimore bridge collapse had previous collision in 2016, according to records

Since its construction in South Korea in 2015 by Hyundai Heavy Industries, the Dali cargo ship has been involved in a series of collisions, raising concerns about its safety and operational protocols.

Antwerp Incident in 2016

In 2016, the 948ft (290-meter) Dali was leaving the port of Antwerp, Belgium, heading to Bremerhaven when it was involved in a collision. As it departed the container terminal, the ship's bow swung around, causing significant damage to several meters of the hull as the stern scraped the side of the quay. Although there were no injuries or adverse pollution reported, the vessel was detained by authorities and docked in Deurganckdok, Belgium. Despite fine weather conditions, the incident was attributed to the ship’s master and pilot on board. The ownership of the vessel, which was owned by the Greek company Oceanbulk Maritime but chartered by Maersk, raised questions about operational oversight.

Baltimore Key Bridge Disaster

On a fateful Tuesday, the Dali cargo ship collided with the Baltimore Key Bridge, causing approximately 2.6km of the bridge to collapse and numerous vehicles to plunge into the Patapsco River below. The collision resulted in a search and rescue operation for at least seven individuals, with two being rescued, one of whom was in critical condition. The scale of the disaster raises concerns about the safety protocols and navigation of the Dali.

Ownership and Crew Details

The Dali, registered in Singapore, had 22 crew members on board during the Baltimore incident. Although owned by the Greek company Oceanbulk Maritime, it was chartered by Maersk, which clarified that the crew were all Indian but not affiliated with Maersk. The lack of clarity regarding the crew and operational responsibilities underscores the need for comprehensive oversight and accountability in maritime operations.