Crew Stranded for Nearly Two Months After Baltimore Bridge Collapse

The crew of a cargo ship involved in a catastrophic bridge collapse in Baltimore remains stranded onboard nearly two months after the incident. The ship, named the Dali, collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, resulting in the tragic deaths of six construction workers who were performing maintenance on the structure at the time. The disaster not only claimed lives but also disrupted maritime traffic in one of the busiest ports on the East Coast.

The Dali, a 987-foot-long vessel, was carrying a crew of 21 men—20 from India and one from Sri Lanka—when it lost power shortly after departing from the Port of Baltimore. The crew managed to issue a mayday call just moments before the ship struck one of the bridge's support pillars, leading to the bridge's collapse into the Patapsco River. While the crew largely escaped physical harm, they have been unable to leave the ship due to ongoing investigations by federal authorities and visa restrictions.

As of mid-May, the crew has been confined to the ship for approximately seven weeks, with reports indicating that their mobile phones were confiscated by the FBI as part of the investigation. This has left them isolated, unable to communicate with family or manage personal affairs, such as paying bills. "They just can’t reach out to the folks they need to, or even look at pictures of their children before they go to sleep," said the executive director of a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting seafarers.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including multiple power failures experienced by the Dali prior to the crash. A preliminary report indicated that the ship had experienced two blackouts the day before the accident, which were deemed unrelated to the two blackouts that occurred on the day of the collision. The NTSB's chair described the crew's prolonged stay on the ship as "unprecedented," highlighting the unusual nature of their situation.

In a recent development, demolition teams successfully removed a large section of the collapsed bridge that had been resting on the Dali, using controlled explosions to break it into manageable pieces. This operation marked a significant step toward refloating the ship, which had been trapped under the debris. However, the timeline for the crew's disembarkation remains uncertain, as they are still required to remain onboard to operate the vessel and assist investigators.

The emotional toll on the crew has been significant, with reports of declining morale as they cope with their isolation and the traumatic events they have witnessed. Community groups have stepped in to provide care packages, including food and personal items, to support the sailors during this challenging time. Despite these efforts, concerns persist about the crew's mental well-being and the potential for them to be held personally accountable for the disaster.

The Dali's situation underscores broader issues within the maritime industry, particularly regarding the treatment of crew members during crises. As investigations continue, the implications of this incident may lead to increased scrutiny of safety protocols and regulations governing shipping operations. The tragic loss of life and the ongoing plight of the crew serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who work in maritime environments, where the intersection of human error, mechanical failure, and unforeseen circumstances can lead to devastating consequences.