Baltimore Bridge Collapse

[TVW]

Since they radioed a warning that they lost power two minutes before impact, they would be horrible terrorists - nice to warn the people, but would get their terror card pulled for sure. Had the bridge been packed with rush hour cars it could have been really bad.

I‘m surprised they never thought it was important to reinforce the bridge so something like this wouldn’t happen so easily.

I don't think the theory is the people on board the ship were terrorists, I think the theory is the electrical system of the ship was hacked by terrorists.

 

[t_carlson]

The pilot dropped an anchor and turned the rudder hard left in an effort to avoid the collision, appropriate steps per the executive director of the American Pilots’ Association.

There is some belief that bad diesel may have been the cause, ties back to corporate greed.

I think attributing it to corporate greed at this point is about as unsubstantiated as saying its a terror attack.

 

[JohnJohnson]

I think attributing it to corporate greed at this point is about as unsubstantiated as saying its a terror attack.

The corporation that was sanctioned 8 months ago for punishing a whistleblower who reported unpermitted alcohol consumption and faulty safety equipment? They had to pay the guy $700,000, reinstate him after firing him under false pretenses for reporting safety concerns, and revise their policy so people could report safety issues directly to the US Coast Guard. The previous policy being they were supposed to report them to the company who would then decide whether to let the Coast Guard know. Which, according to OSHA, was a clear violation of the rights of maritime employees.

 

[MattB]

I think attributing it to corporate greed at this point is about as unsubstantiated as saying its a terror attack.

That is why the relevant parties are exploring one while having quickly dismissed the other? Makes sense.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2024/03/27/dirty-fuel-baltimore-key-bridge-collapse/

 

[TaperPin]

I don't think the theory is the people on board the ship were terrorists, I think the theory is the electrical system of the ship was hacked by terrorists.

Oh - that makes more sense. Lol

Im pretty sure it will get rebuilt so if a ship does tap it again the whole thing won’t come down

 

[CorbLand]

Generally, terrorisms goal is to do what it’s name is. It’s to incite panic, chaos, fear and terror into a population. I don’t see how taking out a bridge would do that.

Could be wrong but if it’s terrorism, they did a bad job.

 

[TVW]

I like questioning the narrative and usually go against it. But I just don’t see this being a terrorist attack. The ship was having electrical problems days leading up to this. The ship should have never left the dock due to these issues but I don’t think it was intentional, more like a greedy company not wanting their cargo docked.

Plus, our overlords would NEVER miss a chance to fire the war machine up.

That's a question I have, if the gubment thought it was an attack, what would they gain by not telling us?

Just trying to stop hysteria?

Cause I agree with you that they never miss a chance to fire up the war machine and make themselves some money.

 

[t_carlson]

That is why the relevant parties are exploring one while having quickly dismissed the other? Makes sense.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2024/03/27/dirty-fuel-baltimore-key-bridge-collapse/

I haven't heard an established cause at this point, only lots of speculation. If they have determined the cause already, it would be record time for .gov

 

[TVW]

Generally, terrorisms goal is to do what it’s name is. It’s to incite panic, chaos, fear and terror into a population. I don’t see how taking out a bridge would do that.

Could be wrong but if it’s terrorism, they did a bad job.

I don't disagree.

Some of the stuff I read was talking about how that bridge is a major thoroughfare for shipping hazardous goods, oil, gas etc.

If it was terrorism/act of war I think it is more of a "long game" strategy, cripple us a little bit at a time.

 

[JohnJohnson]

I don't disagree.

Some of the stuff I read was talking about how that bridge is a major thoroughfare for shipping hazardous goods, oil, gas etc.

If it was terrorism/act of war I think it is more of a "long game" strategy, cripple us a little bit at a time.

I think we should follow Occam's Razor when it comes to demonstrably greedy mega corporations. The company has a dodgy record and something in line with cost-cutting and low safety standards happened. The most likely explanation is cost-cutting via lax safety standards and possibly bad fuel.

Maybe it will be the 0.00001% chance it was deliberate, but probably not. The reality is the company has not earned the benefit of the doubt. It's the same mentality we should have with Boeing in regards to the cost-cutting substandard practices that are causing the 737 Max line of aircrafts to fall apart because the company is run by corporate dickheads in suits as opposed to engineers now.

 

[Htm84]

From what I understand this ship had past issues also....Just confused how the tax payers will have to pay for it? recoup it from the shipping company.

You know how we roll. It’s capitalism when we win and socialism when we lose. Murica son.

 

[Mike 338]

A little to early to tell. I heard something about the ship going to fast. Also, it's a bit strange that terrorism was ruled out but how is that a thing you know so fast? I wouldn't trust anything the FBI says. Waiting for trustworthy analysts to wade in.

 

[NDGuy]

Waiting for trustworthy analysts to wade in.

You mean like Roksliders? Last time I remember they are experts on everything, not DRs, scientists, agency officials etc.

 

[TVW]

You mean like Roksliders? Last time I remember they are experts on everything, not DRs, scientists, agency officials etc.

View attachment 693176

Heaven forbid we discuss a current event in the General Discussion area right? Would you prefer we go back to bitching about non-residents vs. residents?

 

[SWOHTR]

Ok guys...I'll bite here and give you some insight.

1. Power loss. Yep, can happen. Clogged fuel filter? Misalignment of fuel system? Yep that'll sure shut your generator off. Same thing can happen to your car if you run it out of gas. It's happened to me on the ship, and losing power is not fun and not quickly restorable from.

2. Turning into the bridge. This thing weighs on/about 100k tons. Propulsion and maneuvering accomplished by what is likely a 20khp diesel engine, one propeller, and one small rudder. It's not going to turn instantaneously and orders to the lee helm (throttle) are gonna be slow. You ever see the crankshaft on a 20khp diesel that idles at like 20rpm? Didn't think so, this isn't your 5.9 cummins.

3. Puff of smoke. Likely a backing bell put on too late. You're not gonna stop the 100k ton wreck from happening.

4. There's a saying in shiphandling..."You can slow down or you can turn, but you can't do both." (You lose wash over the rudder, which is what turns the ship). Case study: Titanic running into iceberg.

Signed, someone who drives ships for a living and has managed 3 shipboard engineering plants during my career. Take your tinfoil hats off...

 

[wintersoldia]

Loaded cargo ships can't make quick, sharp turns. There is a reason tug boats take them in and out of port.

The Titanic of Maryland. You are absolutely correct the captain needs to answer some questions.

 

[ozyclint]

1- AI videos exist now.
2- who'd have thought that something slow and heavy could cause so much damage. I was under the impression that only light and fast can do such things.

 

[KenLee]

I would put money down that there were several containers full of SWFA scopes on that ship that were just about to be delivered to fulfill customers' awaiting backorders.

They were actually coke bottles that some reporter mistook for SWFA scopes.

 

[2531usmc]

FBI came out with an initial investigation indicating Trump did it.

 

[maxx075]

1- AI videos exist now.
2- who'd have thought that something slow and heavy could cause so much damage. I was under the impression that only light and fast can do such things.

"45 won two world wars" - in my best Fudd voice about your slow and heavy point