Baltimore bridge.

[originalgreaserbob]

It looks like the ship had a blackout before it hit. This would have resulted in main engine and steering failure with the resulting allision with one of the bridge piers and the collapse of the bridge. The ship will have a Voyage Data Recorder which will have a record of, amongst other things, engine orders, helm orders, rudder angles, radar pictures and also a sound record of the wheelhouse vocals. The engine room will also have records of all machinery actions.
The ship's Master doesn't physically steer the ship (a common misconception) and there will have been at least one licensed Baltimore pilot giving helm and engine orders (officially called "advising the Master").
There will be questions asked as to why the anchors were't dropped, but I would guess that the ship was going too fast and the time available too short for that too have any effect.
Obviously there's going to be investigations ongoing for months.

One thing I did not expect on this thread was actual information. Nice one @Sarnia Kevin

 

[Vintage]

Amazingly fast response, especially given the early time when people might be understandably sleepy.



And willing to risk their life to save others.

Yet you have certain goons shouting "defund the police" as they pick at their bellybuttons

 

[Nobby Nobbs]

Yeah the hazmat part is tough as now you either have to go through downtown to avoid the tunnels or go all the way around the city. The tunnels are already packed at rush hour so this is going to be a real strain. There isn’t really a good solution but to rebuild it and that obviously is going to take awhile.

I’m sure I read somewhere or was told by someone that hazardous materials go through the mersey tunnels and when they do the tunnel is closed and the load is escorted through, if true probably done at night.

 

[Wizard]

I’m sure I read somewhere or was told by someone that hazardous materials go through the mersey tunnels and when they do the tunnel is closed and the load is escorted through, if true probably done at night.

Didn't realise the Liverpool team bus uses the Mersey Tunnel

 

[Kurt.]

I’m sure I read somewhere or was told by someone that hazardous materials go through the mersey tunnels and when they do the tunnel is closed and the load is escorted through, if true probably done at night.

The Wirral men in long Macs that will be

 

[Sarnia Kevin]

One thing I did not expect on this thread was actual information. Nice one @Sarnia Kevin

I was a Merchant Navy officer for 49 years, the last 16 as Master, so I do have a bit of insight on how things work on ships

 

[chrismpw]

I was a Merchant Navy officer for 49 years, the last 16 as Master, so I do have a bit of insight on how things work on ships

If I had my time again.....and better careers advice.....

 

[Sarnia Kevin]

If I had my time again.....and better careers advice.....

The 1960s and 1970s were the best times, it all went downhill in later years

 

[TheBigIguana]

I’m sure I read somewhere or was told by someone that hazardous materials go through the mersey tunnels and when they do the tunnel is closed and the load is escorted through, if true probably done at night.

In Baltimore they don’t do that. They might be able to, but as far as I’m aware they don’t.

 

[tommye]

I’m sure I read somewhere or was told by someone that hazardous materials go through the mersey tunnels and when they do the tunnel is closed and the load is escorted through, if true probably done at night.

Over the Runcorn Bridge it'll go. Nobody cares if that shithole blows up.

 

[Kurt.]

I was a Merchant Navy officer for 49 years, the last 16 as Master, so I do have a bit of insight on how things work on ships

I was an apprentice bater, worked my self up and been a master for 30 years now