Potential Casualties Feared as Container Vessel Dali Collides with Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, USA
Reports indicate that casualties are feared after the container vessel Dali struck a support column on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, resulting in the complete collapse of the bridge. The ship is currently trapped under the collapsed structure. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported among the crew or the two pilots onboard, as confirmed by operator Synergy Marine Group. The Dali, a vessel built in 2015 with a length of 299 meters and a capacity of 9,960 teu, is chartered by Maersk.
According to US agencies, there were workers and vehicles on the bridge at the time of the collapse, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations. A spokesperson from the Baltimore City Fire Department described the incident as a mass casualty event, with authorities searching for up to seven individuals initially, with fears that as many as 20 people may have ended up in the cold waters. Additionally, reports of a diesel spill in the water have surfaced, although the exact source remains unclear.
The bridge collision occurred around 0130 hrs local time, resulting in an immediate collapse. Footage of the incident shows the ship’s lights briefly going out upon impact before re-illumination, accompanied by heavy smoke emitting from its funnel, indicating possible attempts to maneuver. The Dali had departed Baltimore with Sri Lanka as its destination at the time of the incident.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a crucial part of the I-695 toll road, facilitating the movement of approximately 30,000 vehicles daily, especially for the terminals of the Port of Baltimore. The collapse will undoubtedly disrupt traffic flow to and from the Port of Baltimore, affecting numerous vessels currently trapped in Baltimore Harbor upstream from the bridge
