In a shocking turn of events, the container ship MS Dali, which collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday morning, has been revealed to have a prior history of maritime incidents.
The vessel, measuring 948 feet in length, owned by Grace Ocean Pte Ltd and managed by Synergy Marine Corp, was chartered by the renowned shipping company Maersk at the time of the Baltimore incident.
Details emerge from the port of Antwerp, Belgium, where MS Dali was embroiled in a similar mishap back in 2016. According to reports from the Antwerp port authorities, the vessel struck a quay on July 11, 2016, while attempting to exit the North Sea container terminal.
Although specifics regarding the cause of the accident remain undisclosed, the ship underwent extensive repairs and remained docked for a considerable period following the incident.
Port authorities, speaking to Reuters, emphasized the standard protocol followed in such situations, highlighting the necessity for a thorough investigation before permitting vessels to resume operations.
“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,” stated a spokesperson for the Antwerp port.
While the Belgian nautical committee tasked with investigating maritime incidents has yet to provide commentary on the Antwerp accident, the revelation casts a shadow of concern over the safety record of the MS Dali.
Questions linger regarding the circumstances surrounding both incidents and the measures taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In response to inquiries regarding the Antwerp incident, Maersk declined to offer any commentary, leaving the public speculating about the intricacies of the vessel’s involvement in past maritime accidents.
The collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday morning has prompted renewed scrutiny of maritime safety protocols and the oversight of vessel operations.
The impact of the collision resulted in significant structural damage to the bridge, prompting immediate closure and disrupting vital transportation routes.
Authorities in Baltimore are currently conducting investigations to determine the precise cause of the collision, probing into factors such as navigational errors, mechanical malfunctions, and adherence to safety regulations.
Meanwhile, efforts to assess the extent of damage to the bridge and formulate strategies for repairs are underway, with local officials emphasizing the urgency of restoring normalcy to the affected area.
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders within the maritime industry and beyond remain vigilant, advocating for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The revelations regarding MS Dali’s involvement in the Antwerp accident underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and proactive measures to ensure the safety and integrity of maritime operations worldwide.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
