The Dali, a massive cargo ship that lost power and collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26, 2024, causing it to collapse and killing six construction workers, left the Port of Baltimore for Norfolk, Virginia on June 24. The NTSB is investigating the cause of the electrical failures that led to the power outages and subsequent collision.
The Dali had experienced two power outages while at a berth at the Port of Baltimore before its voyage, which were attributed to mistakes during routine maintenance. However, when it approached the Key Bridge, two replacement breakers tripped, causing a second pair of power losses that investigators believe may be related to an electrical component called a terminal block.
The NTSB is currently testing the terminal block and wiring associated with it in a lab to determine if there were any defects or abnormalities that could have contributed to the accident. The investigation is expected to take a year from the incident date.
The Dali, which was owned and managed by Singaporean companies Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and Synergy Marine Group, left Baltimore under its own power with a full crew of 22 and six salvage experts on board. It is scheduled to go directly to Virginia International Gateway to have roughly 1,500 cargo containers off-loaded to reduce draft before traveling further.
Baltimore City has sued the Dali's owner and operator for negligence following the crash. The city raised concerns about losing the opportunity to question crew members once they left the country. However, a deal was reached in federal court that allowed eight crew members to return to their home countries with terms in place for future questioning.
The Baltimore Key Bridge collapse caused significant disruption to maritime traffic through the port and halted all traffic on the Bay Bridge for approximately 15-30 minutes as the Dali passed beneath on its way to Norfolk. The Maryland Transportation Authority is overseeing the voyage and providing a safety zone around the ship during its trip.