A container ship named Dali loses power, propulsion, and steering just half a mile from the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, resulting in a collision and the collapse of the bridge. This incident, while rare, highlights the common occurrence of ships experiencing similar technical failures near bridges across the United States. A USA TODAY analysis reveals that over 6,000 incidents involving cargo ships and tankers losing power or steering have been reported in the past 22 years, with 900 of them happening near navigable bridges.
Various factors such as mechanical failure, human error, and stress on engines contribute to these incidents, with ports, harbors, and bridges being high-stress areas for ships. Statistics show that bridge strikes have been on the rise, with machinery damage and failure incidents reaching a 14-year high in the third quarter of 2022. Delays in maintenance, inspections, and spare parts contribute to these malfunctions.
Despite the risks posed by such technical failures, training programs like the one at California State University Maritime Academy are preparing students for real-life disasters through simulation exercises. These exercises highlight the importance of emergency communication and alerting others in the event of a power loss on a ship, potentially saving lives in similar situations. The recent incidents near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge underscore the ongoing challenges faced by ships navigating through congested waterways near essential infrastructure.
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