A Baltimore harbor worker shared concerning insights regarding the Dali cargo ship shortly before its tragic encounter with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Julie Mitchell, a co-administrator at Container Royalty, disclosed that the vessel encountered a significant electrical malfunction just 48 hours before the incident.
According to Mitchell, the ship faced multiple power outages during this timeframe, resulting in a complete loss of engine power and essential onboard systems. She recounted incidents where the refrigerated containers caused circuit breakers to trip, prompting mechanics to intervene in an attempt to resolve the issue.
The gravity of these electrical malfunctions raised eyebrows within the maritime community. Mitchell stressed that such occurrences are rare on cargo vessels like the Dali and asserted that the ship should have remained docked until the root cause was fully addressed.
An officer aboard the Dali corroborated Mitchell’s account, recalling the chaotic moment when the vessel suddenly lost power, plunging the crew into darkness. They described the scene as tense, with the distinct smell of burning fuel filling the engine room.
This revelation sheds new light on the events preceding the collision and underscores the critical need for rigorous inspection and maintenance procedures for maritime fleets.