Loose Cable on Dali Cargo Ship May Have Caused Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

On March 26, the Dali encountered a power loss, leading to a collision that caused the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, with tragic consequences. In an effort to gain a better understanding of the situation, investigators have reported significant developments in the investigation, specifically focusing on a cable found on the ship.

The Loose Cable Discovery

According to newly released documents from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), investigators found a loose cable onboard the Dali. This cable is thought to have the potential to cause electrical issues, possibly leading to the power loss experienced by the ship.

The loose cable, when disconnected, triggered an electrical blackout on the Dali, resembling the events that occurred as the ship approached the bridge on the day of the incident. The discovery of this cable has raised further concerns about the ship's electrical system and its role in the catastrophic collision with the bridge.

The Impact of the Discovery

The collision resulted in the loss of six lives and significant damage to the bridge. The revelation of the loose cable has prompted further scrutiny into the events leading up to the power loss on the Dali and its subsequent collision with the bridge.

Preliminary reports had already indicated a series of power issues on the Dali prior to its departure from Baltimore. However, the new records provide more detailed insights into the potential failure of the ship's electrical system in the critical moments that preceded the tragic incident.

The Dali's power outage reportedly occurred while the ship was still docked in Baltimore, following a crew member's error during maintenance, which resulted in one of the ship's diesel engines stalling. Subsequent changes were made to the ship's electrical configuration, transitioning to a second transformer and breaker system that was in use at the time of departure. Investigators have found the loose cable in this second system, indicating a possible point of failure.

Furthermore, under the guidance of Hyundai, the manufacturer of the Dali's electrical system, engineers conducted tests that replicated the conditions leading to the blackout. The findings from these tests have provided additional evidence of the role that the loose cable may have played in the ship's power loss.

Maintenance and Responsibility

The presence of the loose cable has raised questions about the maintenance of the Dali's electrical system and the ship's crew's responsibility in ensuring its proper upkeep. While the discovery suggests a potential point of failure, former NTSB investigator Tom Roth-Roffy noted that ascertaining the cause of the loose cable's condition could be challenging, given the numerous factors that could contribute to such an issue on a ship, including constant vibrations. He emphasized the crew's ultimate responsibility for the maintenance and operation of the vessel.

Future Developments

The Dali has since left Baltimore, bound for Virginia, where it is scheduled to undergo repairs before continuing its journey to China. As the investigation into the bridge collapse continues, the findings from the tests and further examinations of the Dali's electrical system will play a crucial role in determining the factors that led to the tragic incident.