Data Recorder Of Crashed Cargo Ship With Indian Crew Recovered By US Team

On March 27, a significant incident occurred in Baltimore, USA, when a container ship manned by a 22-member Indian crew collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The Singapore-flagged vessel, named Dali, was exiting the busy port early Tuesday morning when it struck the 2.6km-long bridge. This dramatic accident resulted in at least eight individuals falling into the water, with six others presumed deceased. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has since launched an investigation into the cause of the collision.

One crew member sustained minor injuries and has been treated and released from the hospital, according to a statement from Synergy Marine Group, the owners of the Dali. Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the NTSB, revealed that investigators were able to board the ship overnight to examine key areas such as the engine room and bridge. They have recovered the vessel's data recorder, often referred to as the 'black box,' which is crucial for understanding the events leading up to the accident.

Homendy stated that a team of 24 investigators would return to the ship to collect perishable evidence and begin interviews with crew members and other relevant individuals. The focus is on piecing together a timeline of events from the data obtained from the black box.

The collision caused significant damage to the four-lane bridge, leading to its collapse into the Patapsco River. Reports suggest that the vessel lost power and issued a distress call moments before the crash but was unable to alter its course in time. The incident has prompted US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to assert that if private companies are found responsible for the crash, they will be held accountable.

Buttigieg emphasized the Biden administration's priority to repair the bridge and reopen the Port of Baltimore, predicting a "long road to recovery." He acknowledged ongoing efforts with various authorities, including the US Coast Guard, to reopen the Patapsco River channel as swiftly as possible. The condition of the remaining pier is a factor in determining when operations can resume.

The closure of this vital port and bridge is expected to disrupt supply chains significantly. Buttigieg highlighted that Baltimore's port is crucial for vehicle handling in the country, indicating that the impact of this incident would resonate through regional and national supply chains.

This accident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and protocols in maritime operations. As investigations continue, authorities aim to uncover the precise cause of this unfortunate event and implement strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.