The Journey of Cargo Ship Dali: Refloating and Traveling to Baltimore Marine Terminal After Bridge Collision
More than two months have passed since the tragic collision between the cargo ship Dali and the Francis Scott Bridge in Baltimore. The long-awaited moment for the trapped vessel to refloat and travel to the Baltimore marine terminal is finally here, according to officials.
Following weeks of meticulous salvage operations, the Dali can now be relocated due to a strategic series of controlled explosions that successfully removed an enormous 500-foot section of the bridge, weighing approximately 8-12 million pounds, from the ship’s bow.
Officials announced that the refloat and transit sequence has been deliberately designed to ensure all response personnel around the M/V Dali maintain control of the vessel throughout every stage, from refloating to berthing at a local marine terminal.
Assuming favorable conditions, the cargo ship’s journey is scheduled to commence around 5 a.m. on Monday during peak high tide. Crews will begin preparations approximately 18 hours before, around midday on Sunday, to maximize the advantages of the high tide.
To transport the massive 984-foot, 106,000-ton ship, up to five tugboats will be employed to tow and push the vessel about two and a half miles to the Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore. This process is estimated to take an approximate duration of three hours.
The catastrophic collision between the cargo ship and the bridge occurred on March 26, resulting in the death of six maintenance workers and significant damage to most of the structure. The unfortunate incident led to the shutdown of most shipping activities at the Port of Baltimore.
As a result, multiple investigations have been initiated, including those by the FBI and the US Coast Guard, to determine the cause of the accident. The Dali’s 21-member crew has remained onboard since the collapse, including during the planned explosions on May 13. According to the ship’s management company, the crew will remain aboard for an extended period.
The incident has brought about significant attention and concern, as authorities work diligently to ensure the safe refloatation and relocation of the vessel while also addressing the ongoing investigations. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
