Key Bridge Unified Response Command announced that the vessel DALI wassuccessfully refloated and redeployedyesterday around 7 am. A video broadcast by local media showed the DALI being towed into the Port of Baltimore’s Dundalk Marine Terminal, even with a section of roadway across its bow.
Preparations to refloat the DALI ship
Optimal conditions called for the DALI movement to begin at high tide, scheduled for Monday at 5:24 am. The ship was planned to be ready at 2:00 am, allowing it to reach the peak of high tide for controlled transit.
Full preparation to refloat the DALI vessel, prior to transit at high tide, was to begin approximately 18 hours earlier, starting at noon on Sunday. Actions required in this 18-hour countdown included the release of some of the anchors and mooring lines holding the M/V DALI in place, with nearby tugs ready to assist.
Another crucial step was the deloading of some or all of the 1.25 million gallons of water that had been pumped into the M/V DALI, making up for the weight lost during the precision cut performed on May 13. . In addition, dive inspection teams from the Unified Command conducted detailed inspections to confirm that all obstructions had been removed on the left (port) side of the vessel.
Moment when the DALI is refloated. Source: WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore.
Federal Fort McHenry channel clearance for new operations
With the DALI now refloated and removed, the way was clear to continue cleaning the remainder of the 700-foot-wide Fort McHenry Federal Channel. Nearly 50% of the channel had already been cleared to an operating depth of 48 feet before controlled demolition began.
The federal channel is expected to fully support all commercial vessels entering and leaving the Port of Baltimore with a minimum operating depth of 50 feet in the coming weeks.
The removal of this vessel closes a chapter that began on March 26, when the massive ship collided with the collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridgebridge, causing its collapse. Now, attention will likely turn to the limitation of liability claim filed by the shipowner and which the City of Baltimore is contesting.
The question also remains as to how much longer it will be before the DALI crew members are allowed to leave the ship.
The DALI refloat operation represents an impressive logistical and technical effort, highlighting the coordination between multiple response teams and the implementation of advanced maritime salvage techniques. This event underscores the importance of preparedness and rapid response to maritime incidents to minimize the impact on shipping and port commerce.
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Source: marinelog
Photo: shutterstock
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