In the wake of a catastrophic event, images have surfaced depicting the front of a vessel trapped under the collapsed segments of a bridge. The sight of the anchor chain, angled in such a way, suggests the anchor may have been deployed moments before the collision, possibly dragging momentarily before the crash occurred.
James Turner, a legal expert from Quadrant Chambers in London with a specialization in maritime incidents including ship collisions, pointed out the absence of automated systems on merchant ships that could avert such disasters. He highlighted that the crew would have had access to radar, AIS, and visual data to navigate.
However, the investigation into the incident might benefit from the data and audio recording technologies akin to those found on aircraft. These devices, installed on the ship’s bridge, preserve crucial information. “By activating a button, the last two hours of audio and various ship data, such as engine and steering information, are saved,” Turner explained. This data can then be analyzed to piece together the events leading up to the incident. He also noted that the ship’s speed data recorded by AIS is exceptionally accurate.
Currently, the priority is to locate and rescue any survivors from the debris of the collapsed bridge. So far, two individuals have been rescued, with one receiving hospital treatment. Meanwhile, six construction workers are still unaccounted for.
This disaster strikes at a challenging time for global shipping, which is already grappling with issues like the drought affecting the Panama Canal and recent Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Additionally, the resurgence of Somali piracy and the still fresh memory of the Ever Given’s grounding in the Suez Canal three years ago add to the industry’s woes.
Despite the calamity, the Port of Baltimore has announced that its operations continue, albeit with restrictions. Road traffic within the port is ongoing, but all maritime traffic has been halted until further notice. AIS data shows several commercial vessels waiting outside the port, their entry obstructed by the collapsed bridge and the stranded vessel. The task of removing the bridge’s steel remnants from the river, a hazard to navigation, falls to the US Army Corps of Engineers and is expected to take time.
According to Mercogliano, an expert in maritime operations, this incident underscores the challenges faced by the industry. Baltimore, a key hub for car deliveries and coal exports, now finds its operations severely impacted. He emphasizes that despite the high safety standards in maritime operations, the sheer scale and speed of modern trade leave little room for error. Consequently, when mistakes occur, their impact can be profound.