Power loss is what local Baltimore stations are reporting. They are said to have broadcast a Mayday, which lead police to stop traffic. It's a media circus. I don't know the "technical" definition of the harbor, but it's big, extending into Baltimore County on both sides of the Patapsco River. Not too far north of the Bay Bridge (Annapolis) you line up on the "Craighill Range," putting you on course for the harbor (a range is two large nav markers that when aligned one above the other, you're centered in the channel.) In answer to the question about tugs, too much traffic and too few tugs. That just might change. Regarding pilots, you pick up a Bay Pilot off VA Beach, then trade for a docking pilot in the vicinity of the Key Bridge.
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According to news reports, the ship lost power prior to striking the bridge.
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I do not know the lay out of the Baltimore area, but was this still considered being in the harbor/ bay? If so wouldn't the ship have a harbor pilot onboard directing the ship's actions? Also were there no tugs following to assist the ship just in case of this kind of emergency? I am just curious. Thanks.
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No matter how bad your commute, at least you aren't on the Baltimore Beltway. A container ship (Singapore flagged) hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge on I695 and it collapsed into the Patapsco River. Search and Rescue have pulled 2 folks out of the water so far and they're looking for at least 7. Multiple vehicles plus workers on the bridge went into the water.