The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is not the only structure that the Dali, a 984-foot vessel owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd., has caused damage to in recent years.
The Singapore-flagged container ship collided with a stone pier in the Port of Antwerp during unmooring maneuvers on July 11, 2016. The incident resulted in significant damages to the stern and transom of the ship, causing breaches near the waterline and serious damage to its berth.
VesselFinder reported that while the ship remained afloat, it was detained for repairs and closed for cargo due to the damages.
“As a general rule, these accidents are investigated, and ships are only allowed to leave after experts have determined it is safe for them to do so,” a spokesman for the Port of Antwerp told Reuters.
The incident was said to have occurred due to errors made by the master and pilot on board. The ship tried to depart Baltimore Harbor around 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday but reportedly lost power while moving at a high speed according to Maryland Gov.
Wes Moore. Despite the pilots’ efforts to notify authorities, they could not stop the ship. Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley stated that no evidence suggests that the Dali intentionally collided with the bridge.
The FBI Baltimore field office stated hours after the incident that there is currently no specific and credible information linking the event to terrorism.
According to an unclassified report from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Dali experienced a loss of propulsion while departing port, with pilots notifying officials of their loss of control.
At 1:28 a.m., the unlit container ship collided with a pier supporting the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing its immediate collapse over the Patapsco River.
Several vehicles on the bridge at the time fell into the cold waters below, resulting in two individuals being rescued, one in critical condition, while six remained missing as of the latest update.
All members of the ship’s Indian crew survived.
Synergy Marine Group, responsible for managing the vessel, seems to have other priorities besides preventing collisions with vital infrastructure.
The company touts itself as a “leading shipmanager … provid[ing] end-to-end maritime solutions with precisely and expertly tailored services.”
Synergy Marine Group states on its website that “issues related to diversity are a high priority at Synergy. We realize that the benefits of diversity are best achieved by fostering greater inclusion and belonging.”
The company indicated that its goal is a “workplace that is truly characterized by inclusion and belonging.”
Before paralyzing a major American port, the company emphasized its dedication to “Diversity@Sea” and DEI.
Baltimore was seemingly the company’s latest stop on its “DEI journey in building an innovative and sustainable maritime sector which all can be proud of.”
The company said in a statement that “whilst the exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined, the ‘DALI’ has now mobilised its Qualified Individual Incident response service. The US Coast Guard and local officials have been notified, and the owners and managers are fully cooperating with Federal and State government agencies under an approved plan.”
President Joe Biden told reporters Tuesday afternoon that he had directed his administration “to ensure every federal resource is available to assist search and rescue efforts and response to this terrible incident.”
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