MPA investigates Baltimore bridge collapse after Singapore vessel crash

The SG-flagged vessel links Asian ports with the East Coast of the United States.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has extended assistance to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Headquarters and the National Transportation Safety Board's Office of Marine Safety for the investigation of the vessel collision incident that collapsed a major bridge in Baltimore, Maryland.

The vessel was owned by SG-based company, Synergy Marine Pte. Ltd.

Synergy Marine informed the MPA that before the incident occurred, the vessel named Dali experienced a momentary loss of propulsion, leading to the collision with the Francis Scott Key bridge due to its inability to maintain the intended course.

At the time of the incident, the vessel was being piloted but it was reported to have dropped its anchors before colliding with the bridge as part of its emergency response.

The Dali vessel frequently links Asian ports with the East Coast of the United States and passed through the Panama Canal on 13 March before stopping at New York, Norfolk and finally Baltimore.

Of secondary concern in the days ahead will be tough questions about the effect on business, commuters, holiday travellers and the economy across the region.

The vessel is currently in a stable condition at the site of the collision and all of its 22 crew members are safe while search and rescue efforts are underway.