Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Pilot Fought to Avert Disaster After Brief Power Loss

Baltimore, MD - Newly released information from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) paints a clearer picture of the tragic bridge collapse that claimed multiple lives earlier this week.

Pilot's Heroic Actions and Bridge's Vulnerability Revealed

Data recovered from the cargo ship Dali's voyage data recorder (VDR) indicates the pilot took immediate action to avoid a collision after a brief power outage. The one-minute, three-second blackout disabled the ship's propulsion systems but not the pilot's determination.

The pilot attempted to steer the vessel clear of the Francis Scott Key Bridge by dropping the port anchor. However, the short window caused by the power loss proved insufficient to avert the impact.

The NTSB also highlighted the bridge's vulnerability as a "fracture-critical" structure, meaning a single failing component could lead to catastrophic collapse. This raises concerns about the safety of similar bridges across the United States.

NTSB Timeline of Events:

• 1:24 AM: The Dali departs the Seagirt Marine Terminal and enters the Fort McHenry Channel.
• 1:24:59 AM: Shipboard alarms blare as power cuts out, but audio recording continues.
• 1:26:02 AM: Power restored, sensor data resumes, pilot's steering commands captured on audio.
• 1:26:39 AM: Pilot requests assistance from nearby tugboats and reports blackout to dispatcher.
• 1:27:04 AM: Pilot orders anchor drop and additional steering maneuvers.
• 1:27:25 AM: Bridge closure initiated by MDTA after pilot reports total power loss and imminent collision.
• 1:29 AM: Collision with bridge recorded on audio, ship's speed drops to 7 knots.
• 1:29:39 AM: Pilot reports bridge collapse to Coast Guard.

Recovery Efforts and Investigation Ongoing

The search for survivors has transitioned to a recovery operation due to hazardous conditions around the wreckage. Two construction workers trapped in a submerged truck have been identified. The NTSB continues its investigation into the cause of the power outage and the bridge collapse.

Federal Support for Bridge Reconstruction

President Biden has pledged federal funding to cover the estimated $600 million cost of rebuilding the bridge.