Baltimore, Maryland – The pilot of the Dali cargo vessel that crashed into a bridge in Baltimore on Tuesday made every effort to prevent the collision, said Clay Diamond, the executive director and general counsel of the American Pilots Association. Diamond revealed that just moments before the crash, there was a total blackout on the ship, leading to a loss of engine and electrical power.
In a statement to CNN, Diamond explained that the pilot took immediate action to slow down the ship and veer it away from the bridge. Despite giving commands to turn the rudder to the left and dropping the anchor, the pilot was unable to avert disaster in time. The pilot also contacted the pilot dispatch office to halt traffic on the bridge, but the drastic measures were still insufficient to avoid the crash.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by pilots in critical situations, where split-second decisions can have far-reaching consequences. The rigorous training programs that pilots undergo are designed to equip them with the skills and experience needed to navigate through complex scenarios on the water. Diamond emphasized the importance of experience, classroom simulations, and hands-on training under licensed pilots in preparing pilots for emergencies like the one experienced by the Dali cargo vessel.
Despite the pilot’s best efforts, the ship’s engines failed to restart even though emergency lights on board came back on, possibly due to the activation of an emergency generator. The sequence of events leading up to the crash underscores the unpredictable nature of maritime navigation, where unexpected technical failures can pose significant challenges to even the most experienced pilots.
The Association of Maryland Pilots continues to investigate the incident to determine the root cause of the blackout on the Dali cargo ship. The aftermath of the crash serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in maritime transportation and the crucial role that pilot training and preparedness play in ensuring the safety of vessels and bridges in busy waterways. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on implementing measures to prevent similar accidents in the future and safeguarding the integrity of maritime operations in the Baltimore area.