Loose cable causes cargo ship crash into Baltimore bridge in March

In March, a cargo ship named Dali lost power and crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Investigators have since identified a loose electrical cable as a potential cause of the power failure that led to the incident. This cable was found in a critical area of the ship's electrical system, which had been switched to a different transformer and breaker system shortly before departure. The ship had previously experienced power outages while still docked in Baltimore, prompting crew members to make adjustments to the electrical configuration. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident, with preliminary reports indicating a series of power issues both before and after the ship's departure. The loose cable, when disconnected, caused an electrical blackout similar to the one experienced as the ship approached the bridge. Investigators have also removed a terminal block from the electrical system for further testing. Experts from Hyundai, the ship's electrical system manufacturer, noted that the loose cable could create an open circuit, leading to a breaker opening. While the investigation has revealed few other problems aboard the Dali, the presence of the loose cable raises questions about maintenance practices and crew responsibilities. The Dali has since left Baltimore for Virginia, where it is scheduled for repairs before continuing its journey to China. The investigation's findings will ultimately inform safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.