The focus of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation has shifted towards electrical issues on the Dali container ship preceding its collision with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge last month, NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy revealed during a hearing on Capitol Hill.
Homendy indicated that investigators are examining a potential correlation between the ship’s electrical malfunction, evidenced by video footage showing lights going out prior to the crash, and the vessel deviating from its course and colliding with the bridge.
Addressing questions from the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee during her renomination hearing, Homendy emphasized the gravity of the tragedy, paying tribute to the six workers on the bridge who lost their lives in the accident. She stressed the significance of their contribution to the nation’s infrastructure.
The investigation has led NTSB investigators to collaborate with Hyundai, the manufacturer of engine-room equipment onboard the ship, to assess the vessel’s electrical power system. Experts from the South Korea-based company have been dispatched to the United States to analyze electrical data and inspect circuit breakers aboard the Dali. The ship experienced a loss of power to its engines and electrical system moments before the collision, suggesting a possible link between electrical malfunctions and the loss of control.
While acknowledging the preliminary nature of these findings, Homendy cautioned that the investigation’s trajectory could evolve as further evidence emerges.
NTSB investigators remain onsite, with a preliminary report on the incident not expected until the first week of May. The investigation continues amidst ongoing efforts to clear the blocked shipping channel and recover the bodies of the deceased workers.
Meanwhile, discussions surrounding the rebuilding of the Key Bridge and the reopening of the shipping channel are underway. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, along with federal officials, emphasized the complexity of the salvage operation and underscored the need for swift action to address the aftermath of the tragedy.
During the hearing, Homendy urged transportation agencies responsible for bridge management to reassess the adequacy of existing protections in light of evolving industry dynamics. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that bridges are equipped to accommodate the changing traffic patterns in the shipping industry.
Amidst the deliberations, the broader implications of the tragedy have prompted calls for federal support and swift action to facilitate recovery efforts. While advocating for expeditious rebuilding, concerns about legal protections and taxpayer accountability have also been raised.
As investigations into the Dali collision continue, Homendy’s leadership of the NTSB underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring transportation safety across various modes of travel, from maritime incidents to aviation accidents and road fatalities. Her extensive experience and background in transportation policy position her as a pivotal figure in addressing the challenges and reforms necessary to enhance safety standards nationwide.