The National Transportation Safety Board published an investigative update on June 25, for its ongoing investigation of the March 26 contact of containership Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge and subsequent bridge collapse.
The investigative update does not contain analysis and does not discuss probable cause in this ongoing investigation. As such, no conclusions regarding the cause of the contact should be made based on the information contained in the update. The information in the update is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues.
During the accident voyage, as described in the NTSB preliminary report, electrical breakers HR1 and LR1 unexpectedly opened when the vessel was three ship lengths from the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the first blackout to all shipboard lighting and most equipment. While examining and testing the vessel’s electrical power distribution system and control circuitry, NTSB investigators noted an interruption in the control circuit for HR1’s undervoltage release.
NTSB investigators continue to examine components at the NTSB Materials Laboratory. Investigators will continue to evaluate the design and operation of the vessel’s electrical power distribution system, and investigate all aspects of the accident to determine the probable cause and identify potential safety recommendations.
Read the investigative update here.
Meanwhile, MV Dali has departed from Baltimore Port, with 22 crew onboard, where it had stayed since March. The Dali is scheduled to transit directly to Virginia International Gateway to have roughly 1,500 cargo containers offloaded to reduce draft. The vessel is then scheduled to transit further to Norfolk International Terminal where it is slated to undergo continued salvage and repairs from damage caused during the bridge collapse.
The US Coast Guard is issuing Safety Marine Information Broadcasts via VHF radio channel 16 to keep the maritime community informed of the vessel’s movements.
