The container ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday was headed to Sri Lanka.
Video above: When were the bridge, the Dali last inspected?
Synergy Marine Group — which owns and manages the ship, called the Dali — confirmed the vessel hit a pillar of the bridge at about 1:30 a.m. while in control of one or more pilots, who are local specialists who help navigate vessels safely into ports.
It said all 22 crew members, including the two pilots on board, were accounted for and there were no reports of any injuries.
The Dali was headed from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and flying under a Singapore flag, according to data from Marine Traffic. The container ship is about 985 feet long and about 157 feet wide, according to the website.
Synergy Marine Group released a statement, saying: "Owners and managers of the Singapore-flagged container ship 'DALI' (IMO 9697428) report that the vessel collided with one of the pillars of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore whilst under pilotage with two pilots onboard, at approximately 01 30 local time on 26th March.
"All crew members, including the two pilots have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries. There has also been no pollution.
"Whilst the exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined, the 'DALI' has now mobilized its Qualified Individual Incident response service. The U.S. 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."
Danish shipping giant Maersk said it had chartered the vessel, which was carrying its customers' cargo. No Maersk crew and personnel were on board.
Video below: Map tracks path of ship before crash
In a statement published on its website, Maersk said: "In the early hours of 26 March 2024, a vessel collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in damage to the structure. Information on the situation remains pending and we remain in close contact with officials in the area.
"We can confirm that the container vessel 'DALI,' is owned by Grace Ocean, and operated by Synergy Group. It is time chartered by Maersk and is carrying Maersk customers' cargo. No Maersk crew and personnel were onboard the vessel.
"Due to the damage to the bridge and resulting debris, it will not be possible to reach the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore for the time being. In line with this, we are omitting Baltimore on all our services for the foreseeable future, until it is deemed safe for passage through this area.
Video below: Maryland transportation secretary responds to Key Bridge collapse
"For cargo already on water, we will omit the port, and will discharge cargo set for Baltimore, in nearby ports. From these ports, it will be possible to utilise landside transportation to reach final destination instead. Your local Maersk representative can assist in booking this.
"Please note that for cargo set to discharge in Baltimore, delays may occur, as they will need to discharge in other ports. We are keeping a close eye on the safety situation in the area and continuing to assess the viability of transportation through the area. We will inform you of any changes that may impact your cargo.
"We are deeply concerned by this incident and are closely monitoring the situation. We understand the potential impact this may have on your logistics operation, and will communicate to our customers once we have more details from authorities. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.
"For more information on your cargo, please reach out to your local Maersk representative.
"Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance."
Video below: Key Bridge last inspected in 2021, USDOT records show
The ship crashed into one of the bridge's supports, causing the structure to snap and buckle at several points and tumble into the water in a matter of seconds. The vessel caught fire, and thick, black smoke billowed out of it.
Federal Highway Administration records show the bridge was last inspected in May 2021, when inspectors rated it in fair condition overall at a rating of six (satisfactory) out of nine on three parameters. These inspections are supposed to occur every 24 months.
The Key Bridge was indeed last inspected in May 2023 and "found to be in satisfactory condition with an overall rating of fair," per a press aide for U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. That inspection found the bridge was in fair condition as well.
The ship underwent 27 inspections since the Dali came into service in 2016. There were no issues until June, when Chilean authorities found deficiencies in propulsion and the auxiliary machinery.
DHS said the Dali lost propulsion as it left Baltimore Harbor, which makes the June inspection particularly interesting.
The 1.6-mile bridge carried the Baltimore Beltway\Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River, which leads to the Port of Baltimore, a major hub for shipping on the East Coast. Opened in 1977, the bridge is named for the writer of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Video below: 2 rescued so far, no indication crash was intentional
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