The Cargo Ship Dali Previously Smashed Into a Dock at a Port in Belgium

March 27, 2024

The cargo ship which collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was previously involved in a major collision in Antwerp, Belgium in 2016.

American Greatness reports that the cargo ship Dali hit a quay on July 11, 2016 as it was leaving the North Sea container terminal in Belgium. According to Reuters:

A 2016 inspection of the vessel conducted in Antwerp found it had a structural issue, which was stated as “hull damage impairing its seaworthiness,” according to data published on Equasis, a public database for the shipping industry.

The port authorities said the ship had remained at the dock for repairs for some time after the incident.

The Guardian reports that the Dali’s 2016 collision was initially blamed on the ship’s master and pilot on board and was not considered to be intentional.

Yesterday’s collision in Baltimore destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge and plunged 8 workers into the frigid waters. Two of those workers were rescued and the search continues for at least six more people.

Officials stated that the crew of the Dali were able to alert the Maryland Department of Transportation that they had lost control of the vessel, giving local authorities time to close the bridge before the collision.

The investigation into the collision continues.

Photo: top, Credit: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images