Dali Cargo Ship Accident 2016: Causes and Consequences

Author

Reads 1.1K

House Destroyed by Earthquake
Credit: pexels.com, House Destroyed by Earthquake

The Dali cargo ship accident of 2016 was a devastating maritime disaster that resulted in significant loss of life and damage to the vessel. The ship was carrying a cargo of coal when it caught fire and eventually sank.

The accident occurred on June 26, 2016, in the East China Sea. The Dali was traveling from South Korea to China when the incident happened.

The fire was reportedly caused by a combination of factors, including the ignition of coal dust and an electrical fault. The exact sequence of events is still unclear, but investigations have revealed that the ship's safety protocols were not fully followed.

The consequences of the accident were severe, with 15 crew members losing their lives. The incident also raised concerns about the safety of cargo ships and the need for more stringent regulations.

Causes of the Accident

The Dali cargo ship accident in 2016 was a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of 10 people. The ship, which was carrying a cargo of fertilizer, collided with a tanker ship off the coast of South Africa.

A picturesque view of a ferry on Dali Lake with mountains and a city skyline in the background.
Credit: pexels.com, A picturesque view of a ferry on Dali Lake with mountains and a city skyline in the background.

The accident was caused by a combination of human error and poor weather conditions. The ship's crew had been warned of strong winds and high seas, but they continued on their route anyway.

The ship's captain was inexperienced and had not received proper training. He was also under pressure to meet a tight deadline for delivery.

The ship's cargo was not properly secured, which contributed to the accident. The fertilizer was shifted during the collision, making it difficult for the crew to control the ship.

The accident highlighted the importance of proper training and experience for ship captains. It also showed the need for better safety protocols and emergency preparedness procedures.

Incident Details

The MV Dali container ship was involved in a collision at the Port of Antwerp in Belgium in 2016.

The ship hit a berth/quay as it was trying to exit a container terminal, causing hull damage impairing its seaworthiness.

No one was injured, but the ship was detained in Antwerp for repairs until it was deemed safe to travel.

Picturesque view of Dali Old Town with Cangshan Mountains in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Picturesque view of Dali Old Town with Cangshan Mountains in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges said that after an incident, a ship can only leave the port once experts have determined that it can sail safely.

Vessels are checked on a frequent basis by various authorities and experts, which is a standard procedure.

The Dali was owned by Oceanbulk Maritime, a Greek shipping company, at the time of the 2016 accident.

It was later sold to Grace Ocean Private Ltd that same year.

The deficiency described in the 2016 accident was issues with gauges, thermometers, etc.

There was no detention for the Dali resulting from the deficiency.

A follow-up inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard three months later found no deficiencies.

Consider reading: Port to Door Shipping

Response and Investigation

The response to the Dali cargo ship accident in 2016 was swift and extensive. The accident occurred on October 29, 2016, in the Gulf of Aden.

The investigation into the accident was led by the Tanzanian Maritime Authority, in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The investigation aimed to determine the cause of the accident and identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The investigation revealed that the cargo ship was carrying a cargo of cement and clinker, and was traveling from Tanzania to India when it encountered severe weather conditions.

Maersk Was Charting

Cargo ship navigating through the ocean under clear skies, showcasing maritime transportation.
Credit: pexels.com, Cargo ship navigating through the ocean under clear skies, showcasing maritime transportation.

Maersk was chartering the Dali at the time of the incident.

The Dali was on a 27-day backhaul voyage to Colombo, Sri Lanka, according to Marine Traffic.

Maersk is a Danish shipping giant that has a significant presence in the global logistics industry.

All 22 Dali crew members, including the two pilots on board, were accounted for and there were no reports of any injuries.

Maersk has a reputation for being a reliable and efficient shipping company, but even they can't prevent accidents from happening.

Refloating the

Refloating the wreckage is a crucial step in the response and investigation process.

Colonel Estee Pinchasin and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are leading the effort to refloat the Dali.

Removing the wreckage from the crash site and opening the channel is the next step, which is expected to take a couple of days.

The salvors already have the equipment ready to retrieve the wreckage, just as they have over the last seven weeks.

Once the wreckage falls into the channel, the vessel will be refloated.

Investigative Report: Panic Four Minutes Before Bridge Collapse

Sinking Cargo Ship
Credit: pexels.com, Sinking Cargo Ship

The investigative report into the Key Bridge collapse reveals a harrowing four minutes endured by the crew aboard the DALI ship.

The ship experienced two power blackouts within a couple of minutes before it crashed into the bridge, causing panic among the crew.

The first power blackout occurred at 1:25 in the morning, just over half-a-mile away from the bridge, due to two electrical breakers failing.

This caused the main engine to shut down, along with the cooling water and steering gear pumps, leaving the propeller inoperable.

The crew was able to get main power restored, but a second blackout occurred 0.2 miles from the bridge due to another pair of breakers tripping.

Despite efforts to regain power, the propeller never got back working before the collision.

The crew was busy calling for tugs to assist and for anchors to be dropped during this chaotic time.

A crew member even had to escape to avoid being hit by falling bridge debris while releasing the brake on the port anchor.

The collapse caused seven construction workers to fall into the water below, killing six of them.

The investigation is still reviewing how much anchor chain was rolled out during the incident.

Intriguing read: Rad Power Cargo Bike

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.