Tragic event with unknown loss of life at this juncture.
A mayday was called when the ship lost power about one minute and 45 seconds before allision . Power back on, but unknown if only back up generators, or main. Full Astern was given also swinging the stern to port, and perhaps increasing the turn to Starboard. It is unclear if the emergency generators, had enough power for the rudder. (Rudder most likely hydraulic with at least electric solenoids and perhaps an electric pump on at least the emergency hydraulic power.). It is not clear if the ship had a bow thruster. Even if a thruster or two was present, it may not have enough power to move the bow enough to avoid allision . She did drop her port forward anchor.
This ties up Baltimore harbor for some time. The wreckage has to be cleared from the channel. The channel is about 50 feet deep, but it is unknown how much wreckage is in the center of the channel. I read that at least 3 cars and two trucks went into the water. Survival would be difficult for several reasons, including injury at the time of going off the bridge and hitting the water, getting out of a window or windshield, the survival time even if uninjured and no injury would be limited in 50* water.
The ship was traveling at about 8.5 knots when the first sign of trouble occurred. It takes a long distance to stop the ship of this size, as well as even make a significant turn.
Some ask if a tug could have prevented this. It depends on the size of (HP) tug, time available, and the position of tubs. On the Valdez run each of the tankers has at least one very large tug. Trailing the ships, and I believe also a tug to deal with steering.
