Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Investigators reveal timeline that led to devastating collision

A timeline has been provided detailing the moments that led to the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday.

In the early hours of March 26, a cargo ship - identified as the Dali - struck a pillar of the iconic bridge approximately 30 minutes after embarking on its 27-day voyage to Sri Lanka while laden with cargo.

The impact led to the bridge collapsing, leading to a state of emergency for the city of Baltimore.

Yesterday, officials revealed that six individuals were missing and presumed dead. As of this writing, it has been reported that two bodies have been recovered.

Now, CNN reports that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a full timeline of events from the cargo ship's departure to the moment the Coast Guard were alerted of the tragedy. Here it is:

12:39AM: Departure from Seagirt Marine Terminal

• The ship embarks on its journey from Seagirt Marine Terminal.

1:07:00AM: Entry into Fort McHenry Channel

• The ship enters the Fort McHenry Channel as it progresses along its route.

01:24:59AM: Alarms and VDR Malfunction

• Audible alarms are recorded on the ship's bridge audio.
• The Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) stops recording ship system data but continues to capture audio using an alternate power source.

01:26:02AM: Resumption of VDR Recording

• The VDR resumes recording ship system data, capturing steering commands and rudder orders on audio.

01:26:39AM: Pilot's Call for Assistance

• The ship's pilot issues a general VHF radio call for tugboats to assist the vessel.
• The Maryland Transportation Authority duty officer is informed of the blackout by the pilot association dispatcher.

Around 01:27:04AM: Anchor Drop and Steering Commands

• The pilot orders the dropping of the ship's port anchor and issues additional steering commands.

Around 01:27:25AM: Emergency Radio Call

• The pilot reports over the VHF radio that the vessel has lost all power and is approaching the bridge.
• The transit authority duty officer directs closure of traffic lanes on the bridge.

Around 01:29AM: Collision Preparation

• The ship's speed over ground is recorded just under 8 miles per hour.
• VDR audio captures sounds consistent with the collision with the bridge.
• MDTA dash cameras observe the bridge lights extinguishing.

01:29:39AM: Report to US Coast Guard

• The pilot radios the US Coast Guard to report the bridge collapse.

Following the sudden nature of the bridge's collapse, experts have spoken out about why the relatively modern bridge failed to withstand the collision.

Additionally, President Joe Biden said in a press conference on Tuesday that his team will move "heaven and earth to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge as soon as humanly possible."

"It's my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and I expect [...] Congress to support my effort," the POTUS added.

Biden also extended heartfelt condolences to those affected by the tragedy and expressed gratitude to the brave first responders risking their lives in the rescue efforts, stating: "May God bless the first responders, who — many of whom risking their lives."

Our thoughts continue to go out to the city of Baltimore and anybody impacted by this tragedy.

Featured image credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty