Ship Happens: The Great Baltimore Bridge Bonk
So, let’s talk about ships. Not the kind that sail the seven seas in search of buried treasure or questionable love interests. We’re talking about the kind that, well, let’s just say they don't always follow the rules of the road. Or, in this case, the rules of the river.
 |
| How Fast Was The Ship Going That Hit The Baltimore Bridge |
The Great Baltimore Bridge Bonk
Remember that time a ship decided to play demolition derby with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge? Yeah, us too. It was like watching a real-life episode of "Mythbusters" where the myth is "Can a ship really bring down a bridge?" Spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding, albeit tragic, yes.
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
Now, the burning question on everyone’s lips (or at least, the lips of the internet) was: “How fast was that ship going?” Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the murky waters of nautical speed.
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Knots, Not MPH
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's clear something up: ships don't use miles per hour (MPH). Nope, they prefer knots. Which, if you're like us, sounds like something you tie your shoes with. But fear not, we've done the math for you. Roughly speaking, 1 knot is about 1.15 MPH. So, when you hear a ship was going 8 knots, it’s actually cruising at a leisurely 9.2 MPH.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
The Ship's Speed Limit
So, was the ship speeding? Well, that's a tricky question. There are speed limits for ships, but they vary depending on factors like the size of the ship, the type of water, and the weather. Plus, let's be honest, who's really enforcing those speed limits? The nautical police?
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
 |
In the case of the Baltimore bridge incident, the ship was reportedly going around 8 knots, which is actually pretty slow for a big vessel. But when you're in close quarters with a bridge, even a snail's pace can be a recipe for disaster.
Could It Have Been Prevented?
Hindsight is 20/20, as they say. But it seems like there were a few things that could have been done differently. The ship had reported engine trouble before the crash, which raises some questions about why it was still allowed to be in that area. And let's not forget about the poor construction workers who were on the bridge at the time.
Moving Forward
The investigation into the Baltimore bridge collapse is ongoing, and we're all hoping for answers. But in the meantime, let's remember the lives lost and the impact this tragedy has had on the community.
How To... Nautical Know-How
- How to convert knots to MPH: Multiply the number of knots by 1.15.
- How to avoid becoming a ship captain: Steer clear of boats, unless you enjoy the thrill of potential disaster.
- How to build a bridge that can withstand a ship collision: Hire a really good engineer (and maybe add some extra reinforcement).
- How to stay safe around ships: Keep a safe distance and always wear a life jacket.
- How to appreciate the beauty of bridges: Look at them, admire them, and maybe avoid walking on them if there's a ship nearby.
 |
