NTSB Investigation Unveils Details of Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse
BALTIMORE — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a transcript from the Dali cargo ship’s audio recordings, shedding light on the chaotic moments leading up to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on March 26, 2024. The transcript captures a calm atmosphere among the crew as the Dali departed from the Port of Baltimore, but turns urgent as mechanical issues arise.
Initially, the crew engaged in casual conversation while preparing for departure. However, alarms began sounding shortly after 1:24 a.m., signaling a loss of power aboard the ship. Panic ensued amongst the crew as they grappled with the emergency, trying to regain control of the vessel. Within minutes, the situation escalated dramatically, culminating in the ship’s collision with the Key Bridge, which was reported around 1:29 a.m. The pilots on board desperately tried to communicate the peril with a frantic security call, but it was too late; the bridge collapsed, claiming the lives of six construction workers.
Court documents have outlined negligence on the part of Grace Ocean and Synergy, the owners and operators of the Dali, claiming that they failed to address known electrical issues before the ship’s departure. These failures were not disclosed to the guiding local pilots, violating legal protocols. The NTSB investigation confirms that the vessel experienced electrical power failures prior to leaving its berth, further substantiating the allegations in ongoing lawsuits.
While Grace Ocean and Synergy have reached a settlement with the Department of Justice, they maintain their intent to defend against liability claims in Baltimore’s Federal Court. The NTSB has previously noted that the Key Bridge was operating far above acceptable risk levels, highlighting systemic safety concerns within the infrastructure. As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on accountability for the tragic incident.
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