Transport Safety Investigation Bureau's Probe into Crash of Singapore-registered Container Vessel at Baltimore Bridge
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns inquiries from Mr Saktiandi Supaat and Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong regarding the investigation into the Singapore-registered vessel Dali's collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat stated that the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau is participating in a US-led investigation, while the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) conducts its own separate flag administration probe. He clarified that it is premature to identify probable causes or a completion timeline while investigations are ongoing, precluding the sharing of preliminary findings or lessons. Regarding the well-being of the crew, the Minister confirmed they are safe, assisting with investigations, and receiving psychological and physical support. He emphasized that MPA is collaborating closely with the ship’s owner and manager to ensure the crew's continued welfare throughout the investigative process.
Transcript
38 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Transport with regard to the Francis Scott Key Bridge crash in Baltimore, USA (a) when will the independent marine safety investigation by the Ministry's Transport Safety Investigation Bureau be completed; and (b) whether the Ministry can (i) identify any preliminary lessons that will help prevent risk of future marine incidents and (ii) provide an update on the well-being of the crew of Dali.
39 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether an update can be provided on the status of the investigation by the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau into the collision of the Singapore registered container vessel, the Dali, onto the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, United States; (b) how long will the investigation take; (c) whether the Ministry will make public in full the Bureau's findings; and (d) whether the Ministry can share any preliminary findings uncovered to date.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Ministry of Transport's Transport Safety Investigation Bureau is participating in the marine safety investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board of the United States, in accordance with the International Maritime Organization guidelines. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), as the flag administration of the container vessel Dali, is also conducting a separate investigation into the incident.
As the investigations are still ongoing, it is premature to identify the probable causes of the incident or comment on when the investigations will be completed.
MPA is working closely with the ship owner and manager to ensure the psychological and physical well-being of the crew. The crew are assisting with the investigations and are safe.