Ex machinist mate of a Ohio class sub here. When you lose hydraulic power, the pressure in the rudder control cylinder will start trying to equalize. This could push our pull the rudder a few degrees in a certain direction. Also, the hydraulic control pilot valve would have stopped where ever the last position it was when the hydraulic accumulators went dry. It's possible the helmsman was inputting a little right rudder to hold heading when the power went out, because you can't hold a heading without steering back and forth from left and right. In the Navy, they have us +/- 5 degrees of rudder to hold heading without having to ask permission. The slower you go, the greater change in rudder is required to hold a heading. So for all we know, the rudder could of been stuck at Right 5 to 10 degrees there whole time there power is out. Which would help explain the veering into the bridge.

I retired at the end of 2022 after working for 50 years at most every Port of Baltimore facility. Back in the mid 70's when the Key Bridge was built no one imagined a container ship of this size. When I started, ships with cars were still bulk carriers using the ships cranes to lift the cars from the holds to land them pierside! Now they are all RoRo vessels. I don't think the architects of the bridge could imagine the size of these behemoths now.

Sal. Retired Chief Engineer here. 30+ yrs as Chief Engineer on Slow Speed diesels such as this vessel. You have done a great job, but a couple of points to clarify. 1 - The ship's electrical systems are laid out such that there is a "Main Distribution Buss" and an "Emergency Buss". These two are NORMALLY 'TIED' together via the 'Buss Tie Breaker' and fed from the ships' main generators (DALI has Four). They can all be brought online to supply power. Usually one will carry the load unless there is a lot of refrigerated containers on board. When the bow thruster is running, two or three generators would be online to supply the Bow thruster which is typically an electric motor 1,000~2,500 HP. The Emergency buss is ALWAYS powered. In the event of loss of power, the Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) starts, and the breaker connecting the two electrical busses (Buss-Tie Breaker) opens, then the breaker connecting the EDG to the electrical buss is allowed to close and power the emergency buss. There are only a handful of equipment that are on the Emergency Buss, ONE of the steering gear motors would be on this. The Deck lights are not on the emergency buss. So when you see the deck lights come on and off, that is a Main Generator. The large light on the bow that seems to come on at a different time is likely a High Pressure Sodium light and they usually take a while to 'warm up' before putting out any light. 2 - The black smoke is likely from the Main Engine (M/E). The M/E is a 9-cylinder two-cycle diesel engine that develops 55,630HP @ 82.3 RPM. The pistons are 0.90 meters in diameter and typically weigh around 7-tons each. If they were doing 8knots ahead and requested a 'crash astern' engine command, the automation of the engine has a separate program that will introduce more 'start air' than normal, for a longer time. 'Start Air' is high pressure air that is introduced into the engine in the same sequence as firing order to turn the engine (kinda like a push start) in the proper direction before fuel is introduced. Once fuel starts pouring into the engine in the reverse direction, the engine is initially starved for combustion air as the three turbochargers on the engine (that weigh as much as a Volkswagen Golf) take a bit of time to spool up to speed. 3 - I was an Engineering Officer, not a Deck Officer (Mates), but the mates used to remark about how the astern bells would affect the stern by 'walking' the stern one way or the other depending on how the blades on the 65-ton propeller bit into the water. Much more than the ahead bells because the propellers are optimized for pushing the vessel in teh ahead direction. Hope this helps clarify some of your questions. 4 - The rudder is controlled hydraulically and without power, would stay in the last position before loosing power.

I have very little knowledge of the maritime world. But, I’m a Maryland resident and I have really come to value channels such as this as we try to come to grips with this tragedy. Thank you, Sal, for providing so much sensible and insightful analysis.

Boy, 30 minutes with you is well spent, Sal! I feel like I've gone to seamanship school! Thank you for these videos.

As a Traffic officer who's had to put on many a emergency rolling roadblock. I don't think many appreciate just how much of a miracle it is that officers can get the road fully stopped so quickly saving many many lives. Getting a RRB on this quickly is unheard of. Normally it takes a good few mins even if units are in the right position at the time. While i fully appreciate we lost a number of road workers which is a tragedy, things could of been so so much worse without this miracle taking place. Thoughts are with everyone effected by this whole event.

15 years professional dog walker and 4 years shopping cart retriever and 6 months door dasher here. This is an excellent breakdown, could not have done any better myself.

Former Ocean Master here. This was a terrible accident, but Sal is doing great work with comprehensive commentary. Thanks Sal.

So great that you're spreading the word about other worthwhile UKpostsrs, Sal! 😎✌️

Great report again. Having ran large tugs before I can tell you that it is not as easy of a job as it looks. I've never ran a tug in Baltimore, but I would never want to be attached to a ship this size going 8.5 knots. The tug I was running one day was a 7,000 BHP rated with 3 directional props. I was helping dock a container ship that is about this same size one day in a very high wind. It was about all we could do to hold the ship off of the dock and the bumpers that were in the water at the dock. The wind was straight on to the side of the ship with its containers all stacked to the top, so a lot of area for the wind to catch. The wind speed increased all of the sudden with the ship about 40 meters off of the dock, and boy could we feel it as the ship started to pull harder. I increased to full power on all 3 props with a fear that the tow line would snap and kill someone, so I got everyone off of the deck. We stood low in the wheelhouse. With all of this, the ship closed into the dock, but thankfully the bumpers in the water took most of the pressure and the dock or the cranes were not damaged. The bumpers however were toast and needed to be replaced when the ship departed. With this ship moving at 8.5 knots, the only thing a tug could have done it it was there would have been to push on the starboard bow of the Dali to perhaps hold it off of the bridge piling. Lets be real however, under full power forward, these powerful tug don't go very fast and it would have been hard to get it up to speed an into place with enough lateral power to move the bow over. The propellers on a tug boat are engineered to provide force, not speed. At the end of the day from what I see, they lost power at the worst possible time. when it happened odds are the engine room crew didn't know exactly where the Dali was in relation to the bridge and the approaching danger, but I assure you the phone rang down there and they were told. It looks like they lost power somehow, either the generator shut down for some reason or it was an overload trip. Often on ships like this if they have a lot of refrigerated containers plugged in, they will have 2 generators running in parallel to supply enough power. These refrigerated containers always require a lot of electricity when first leaving the dock since while on the dock they were often left unplugged for a while; so they're all working to stabilize the temperature in them. If that parallel generator tripped out for some reason, then the other generator would have also tripped off from overload. On these big ships, vital things on the main engine are ran with electric motors, not driven by the main engine itself like a highway truck. So losing power would also drop out the lube oil pump, and water pumps which then would have triggered a main engine shut down so the oil pressure accumulator can provide oil to the engine while it is slowing down. As your video points out, re-starting this main engine is not like hoping into your Ford F-150 and turning the key. From watching the dock camera in real time it looks to me that the engine room crew was all over this in as quick of a manner as they could. Once power came back up from the emergency generator or a main generator, they started the main engine start process, and it looks like something then tripped it out again. But once they got the main generator started and isolated to provide power to the ship only, they got the main engine started and the black smoke you see was the bridge pouring on the power in reverse to try and stop the ship. At this speed and slower, especially in the reverse direction, the rudder does not respond that well since less water is moving over it than out on the open ocean at 18 knots. All this time, the ship was moving. It did slow quite a bit, but not enough.... Kablamo! Very sad deal. I give aplomb for the bridge getting that MayDay call off so they could close the bridge to traffic. Even at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="90">1:30</a> AM, that bridge is well traveled. While some were unfortunate, that MayDay call probable saved a lot of lives.

I really really appreciate how you cite your sources in the video, and how generous you are in pointing and linking to related videos. Not everyone does this, but it's so important!

You're a class act for using your growing channel to boost other great channels. A rising tide...all boats...etc.

This channel is an absolute gem. Thanks Sal.

Sal, you do realize that you are for many of us our source of factual news on this event, yes? We have come to understand that typical media outlets seem to sensationalize what is actually going on. Thank you for a rigorous explanation of the events and your questions and concerns as opposed to stating them as facts. Keep these coming, thank you so much for what you do here!

Finally someone on youtube who speaks perfectly: not too fast, appropriate emphasis, and a voice that can convey complex info while not sounding like the keynote speaker at a CPA Convention. Gen Z take note: you do not need to speak at 125 words per minute to convey a narrative on UKposts. (And you can do it while _NOT_ sounding like a god damn stimulant junkie) This guy has broken down very complicated marine engineering processes in less than 32 minutes, and in a very understandable way. Significant to me because all I know about boats - is that the nicer they are, the more women they come with. Thank you "What Is Going On With Shipping" - great video!

Indeed, Chief Makoi is an excellent teacher. I enjoyed his video on bauxite liquefaction.

My father is a Retired Chesapeake Bay Pilot, and he is heartbroken.

It is sad that I discovered your channel only after a disaster, but you do have a lovely channel. Thank you for the great content and breaking it down into a form a layperson like me can understand

Your channel is superb. Clear, rational, easy to grasp if you have a basic head on your shoulders.

I remember subbing to you when you were under 5k subscribers. I'm happy to see you with the number you have today. Always thanks for the info on all things shipping!

I saw you on the news and told my son - hey! that's Sal! Well deserved. I can not tell you how much you give us all with your knowledge and how much better off we are for it. Thank you.

As a Filipino American, I am happy to see Chief Makoi educate us about operating ships in the engineering room. Great job to you and everyone involved in this video. I’ve been following your channel ever since the Oceangate disaster.

Sal is one the most IMPORTANT UKpostsrs of our time!! He is also an absolute BEAST at what he does!! 👍

Big hats off for promoting your fellow professional friends in this trade/industry. 👍👍👍

I know no pun was intended but…”there is a lot of information floating out there” gave we a smile and chuckle.

Chief Makoi put a thing on his "community" page that he will be putting out a video about the Dali and the incident in general.

Thank you for this video. The incident has caused a huge amount of BS on social media from folks that are clueless. Now, thanks to you I can share this informative video with others. Thank you again.

I wish we had reliable and informed reports like your on all news topics. What a different world it would be.

Sal the community is very lucky to have you. With how you break everything down into easy to understand pieces. Phenomenal job thank you for sharing your many years of experience.

Thanks Sal. You are my go to for all things shipping.

I really appreciate content like this and the YT partnerships or colab. with others like Ward and Chief Makoi. Your presentation and information is top notch... something you will never find on TV. Thank You. ♥

This channel is an example of UKposts at it's best!! Thanks Sal

I have been subbed to Chief Makoi for years! Great channel!

It is good to get intelligent and informed explanation instead of the wild speculation that the News Media and more than a few bloggers are providing! One blogger I respect has a rule not to make declaritive pronouncements for three days because the first reports are usually wrong! I appreciate your telling us what you know and what we need to find out! I also appreciate your giving us reliable and knowledgeable sites to go to for more detailed information!

Whenever something like this happens, I always know right where to go. Thanks for all you do Sal!

People like you are why I only watch UKposts these days! Thanks for an other amazing video and sharing what you know with us

Your channel is an authoritative source more than any other I know of, including some big names. As precious as ever in these crazy times, when competence and knowledge are even derided.

Thanks Sal! I hope like hell that folks will watch and LISTEN to what you are doing here. Thanks for the links as well. More education is ALWAYS a good thing. Great work sir! Thanks again. 😎👍

Great to see this channel getting the exposure is has deserved for a long time now💯👊🏻⚓️

Great job Sal! RIP to the bridge workers.

I’m not a seafaring person but I just came across this channel the day of the crash and this is what I wish the news was like on tv. I can’t stand to watch that crap but this type of video format, I like.

Excellent info from all of you me and women who are experts when it comes to ships and how they work. Thank you for thr education. 👍 ❤️

Found your channel back when the shipping supply chain was a cluster and I wanted to know more about what was causing it. Was so impressed with all the detailed information you provided that you've been my go-to for all things maritime/shipping ever since. You always deliver and this time is no exception. Thanks for keeping us informed.

Came here as per Ryan Macbeths suggestion and I can confidently say this is one of the best informational UKposts channels I have found recently. Awesome content and awesome video. Thank you for the quick coverage.

I am very happy I found your channel. I'm a former civil engineer / program manager at the Army Corps of Engineers. The effort the Corps of Engineers is beginning will be historic in scope. I look forward to following the story with you.

Very informative update. I trust the information you provide your viewers.

Thanks for the shout out to Chief Makoi and Brian Boyle. Both offer great resources for understanding the work of merchant mariners we all depend on.

I started watching you because my son is in the Navy in the thick of it in the Red sea. Thank you for all you cover and all you educate

Well done,as always, Sal. The woman who speaks for NTSB is good. With AlaskaAir door plug, she would not let news media pressure her into jumping to conclusions. This is going to be a complicated investigation and will certainly take time.

One of our very best videos.... ... .. !

Love your channel. So informative for all of us who what to understand what could have been done to prevent this horrible incident. Thank you

I started watching this and became mesmerized, and educated. Wow, just wow.

Long way to go on this investigation. Hopefully people will read the final NTSB report when it is issued. Amazed that MDTA was able to close the bridge so quickly but it just so happened there was construction that night. RIP construction crew. PS - Thanks for making and posting the video.

Very professional !!!! This man knows his stuff I love this channel

Your knowledge is absolutely key, to us, laymens, Thank you! Please, keep the information coming! Perhaps people will learn, and not jump to conclusions! Wish the media would watch a few videos!

Now this is the information that everyone should listen instead of jumping to conclusions as you see on the comments on any news video. Thank you for detailing the incident and also shouting out to other UKpostsrs on the how to tutorial on the cargo ships or other large ships.

Finally someone who knows what they are talking about. Thanks for these great videos

I subscribed to this channel last summer/fall because I thought it might be interesting. Holy smokes, has it ever been valuable since then with all the stuff happening in the Red Sea, Panama Canal, containers, insurance and now this. I have always thanked Sal for his informative videos. Today, I add to that for all the reference sources for additional content so we can all better understand the environment and constraints that everyone was operating under. Thank you, Sal, once again!

Fantastic work Sal, been sharing your work to everyone to combat the rampant disinformation.

My now 84 year old Dad retired from USN in 2005 and called me earlier today asking if I knew of anyplace on the internet to get quality news about the bridge thing; "Well, Dad, as it happens, there is this guy named Sal Mercogliano ..." Dad was considered an expert ship handler back in the day, it appears to not be an inheritable skill, my own skill level extended only to canoes. 😄

Wow! An actual fact based anaysis about the incident. Too bad people have given up on waiting to have facts before blurting out opinions on social platforms. Thanks for a great video!

Thumbs up , This is absolutely the best analysis available.

Sal is the FREAKIN MAN!!! Thank you for clear and concise information dispersion to the world

I have gotten so much from this channel, but even more I love the fact that in free countries all information is available to everyone. I hope you get it fixed soon and for as little casulties possible

We have such a long road ahead of us. Prayers for the families that are waiting to get their family member still missing back. A go Fund Me was created by Baltimore for the family members to help with funeral arrangements and expenses.

What an excellent post. Thank you for this informative post.

Thanks Sal for this incredibly detailed video and the questions it raises. I'm not a maritime person but your videos are very informative and explained in such an easily understood manner. Really compulsive viewing. Thanks again Sal.

You earned yourself a new subscription from me. I love listening to intelligent people! Thank you

Really good information. Glad you are spending the time to explain all the items to us lay people. It's amazing how many complex things are in this world that we know nothing about until something like this happens.

Thank you for doing such respectful references to the other maritime channels. You are a good human

Well documented. You've done your homework! So interesting. Thanks for sharing this.

You are right Mr. Sal, the tide coming of Curtis Bay would definitely kick the stern of the Dali over towards the Dundalk side, just the way we see the Dali moving in the crash video.

Greetings from Asunción Paraguay. Great analysis as always.

Very clear and understandable. Thank you for your quality reporting and analysis…

I have shared your videos on this incident multiple times because I think everyone needs to be properly informed of what's going on and what's to come without all the sensationalized reactions that news media can push. Thank you so much for being such a calm and rational voice during this horrifying situation.

Thank you for being a rational voice in the noise. educated speculation, when made clear that it is speculation, can be very helpful to those of us looking to understand. It is sad how quickly this event turned to cynical hysteria and fear mongering.

Awesome ❤. Love that your shining a light on other youtubers with relevant info. Hope all the people with questions take advantage.

Sal ypur expertise knowledge and ability to analyze these things is invaluable

I have had many many sailboats and powerboats over the years. I have been watching you ever since this accident and I just find this incredible and fascinating. And your presentation is incredible you are so knowledgeable and gifted thank you for teaching me so much.Kathie from Oregon

That review of the issues causing the turn to starboard was excellent…….. thank you

Thank you so much Sal Your pragmatism is very appreciated

Your videos are very informative, I subscribed & forwarded them to anyone that I think would be a watch. Thank you, and keep us informed.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="470">7:50</a> the Tug Capt. maneuvering around the Green Can. Is Amazing! Skill and Knowledge on display for all to see.

When the correct information is needed, you are the source. thank you Sal.

Thanks. Nice to have a savvy reporter. Keep up the reports.

That was an exceptionally good video. Thanks for breaking this down.

I live 5 minutes from the bridge. Thank you for doing these videos and helping people understand what may have happened.

Jaun Brown sent me. Subscribed 20 seconds into the first video on this accident. Top notch info 👍 Now if only the regular media would report this well.

Sal, thank you for your great posts. Great combination of news and education. The national and local news coverage is superficial and sensational. Your efforts are deeply appreciated.

Thank you for a professional and reasoned review of the incident. Very educational. It's a huge breath of fresh air compared to the media's hyperbolic nonsense.

Your coverage is 100% the best iv seen.

Thankyou for your work reporting on this!

Thanks Sal. Im an intermodal trucker. I like your take on marine happenings. I warch a couple others. I don't like conspiracy theorys i want the FACTS. so thanks for the facts.

EverGreen is when I subbed. Still impressed when I watch how well you explain situations

Thank you Sal for your work.

Not trying to be a wise guy but I'm a Marine electrotehnical officer (ETO): Emergency generator usually supplies key machinery and equipment. If the steering gear is composed of 2 pumps, driven by two electrical motors, one of this will certainly be supplied by the E/G. At the moment the emergency lights turned on, they certainty had power to the Steering gear emergency pump. From this point I can only guess what happened, but from the electrical point of view, I believe they had control of the steering gear for a brief moment before the second black out. I know after a incident everybody find the best solutions, and ideas.. I just hope this info is helpful to anyone interested. Cheers!

In a way, it is sort of amazing that about 2 and a half minutes from the mayday and they were already cleared the traffic and only the workers were still on the bridge.

Congratulations on your newfound fame! Seems like every UKposts video I look at on this subject mentions your name as the expert. Good going!

Thank you Sal

Thanks you so much for your research, your evenhandedness and your links.