The cargo ship Dali, which had been immobilized for nearly eight weeks after a dramatic collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, was finally re-floated and moved on Monday. The incident, which occurred on March 26, resulted in the tragic deaths of six construction workers and caused significant disruptions to one of the city’s major transportation routes.
Re-floating Operations
Under the guidance of the US Army Corps of Engineers and favorable environmental conditions, tugboats successfully maneuvered the 289-meter long ship away from the crash site. This operation is a critical development in the ongoing efforts to restore normalcy to the area and reopen essential shipping routes. The process of moving the Dali to a nearby terminal was expected to take approximately 21 hours.
Impact on Shipping and Recovery Efforts
With the Dali now cleared from the main channel, deep-draft commercial vessels can once again navigate through the federal shipping channel to enter and exit the Port of Baltimore. This marks a significant step towards minimizing the economic impact of the accident. However, the area remains a hive of activity as cranes and other equipment continue to work on clearing the remaining debris and steel from the riverbed.
Ongoing Investigation and Cleanup
The collision that led to the Dali veering off course is still under investigation, with initial reports suggesting that the ship lost power before the crash. In addition to the investigative efforts, the controlled demolition conducted last week played a pivotal role in clearing significant amounts of debris and scrap metal from the bridge, facilitating the recent movements of the ship.
Also learn about Controlled Explosions Planned to Free Cargo Ship from Collapsed Baltimore Bridge.
