Moore: Dali lost power, issued ‘mayday’ that helped save lives

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the Dali lost power and issued an emergency call for help shortly before the freighter crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse.

The “mayday” distress call allowed officials to halt vehicle traffic headed over the bridge, Moore (D) said.

“By being able to stop cars from coming over the bridge, these people are heroes. They saved lives,” he said.

It was not immediately clear how many vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the collapse. Search and rescue efforts continue.

Moore said at a news conference that the cargo ship was headed at the bridge at eight knots, which he called “a very, very rapid speed.”