https://gcaptain.com/ship-lost-control-before-hitting-baltimore-bridge/
...She struck the southwest support column at a speed of 7.6 knots (8.7 MPH).
Cameras from the Vessel Traffic Service captured footage of the collision and subsequent collapse. The ship’s lights went out twice before the collision, indicating possible issues in the engine room. Despite the quick restoration of lighting, this suggests a full blackout occurred, prompting the emergency generator to restore basic electrical services and lighting.
Without propulsion or tugboats, a ship this size is nearly impossible to stop.
The emergency generator does not connect to propulsion but should support steering and navigation systems but the ships heading appears to have been pushed off course by the wind directly into the support column.
Ships are not required to have tugboat escorts when passing under the Francis Scott Key Bridge so they have limited ability to slow down on their own when they lose power and can not put the propeller into reverse.
According to past photos, she is equipped with a bow thruster. However, these are not typically connected to emergency power systems. Even if it were engaged, bow thrusters are designed for slow-speed maneuvers and have a limited ability to push the bow into the wind when the ship’s speed exceeds 5 knots.
Early morning photos of the ship show that the port anchor was dropped. However, it is unclear whether it was dropped before the collision in an attempt to slow down the ship, or after the collision.
gCaptain will continue to provide updates on this story as more details emerge.