Early in the morning of March 26th, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after the Singaporean container ship Dali hit a main pillar of the bridge. As the container ship prepared to make its way under the bridge, it suffered a boat-wide loss of power leaving the captain and crew unable to direct the vessel safely under the bridge. Moments after the collision, the 1.6 mile long bridge collapsed causing construction workers, who were completing regular maintenance to the bridge, to plunge into the cold water of the Patapsco River. Two workers have been found alive by Coast Guard services, however there are at least six who are presumed to be dead.
With the “Key” bridge playing a major role in transportation to those living in the Baltimore area, and the Patapsco River playing a major role in receiving shipments from around the world, a new bridge will most likely be constructed as soon as possible. President Biden even says that the federal government will make sure to pay the cost of the new bridge in its entirety. Although there is already talk of a new bridge to be built, the safety and health of those who were involved is being prioritized.
Ship accidents like this, and that which occurred in 2021, when the container ship Ever Given blocked the Suez Canal for six days after being turned sideways, show the true precision and focus required by the captains of these enormous ships. Not only this, but it reveals the severity of the mistakes made on these vessels, even if it may have just been an accident.
