There are dangerous zones in water navigation, and the greatest caution is needed under bridges.
Compared to open waterways, the navigation channels in bridge areas are narrow, with complex flow patterns and limited navigable dimensions. Combined with water level changes during the flood season, the risk rises sharply. Many crew members believe that “running familiar waterways year-round, crossing bridges is no problem.” It is precisely this mindset of complacency that allows numerous hidden dangers to evolve into major safety accidents.
This article reviews real cases and summarizes key points for navigating bridge areas, hoping that every passing vessel will: do their homework thoroughly, strictly follow the rules, and prevent tragedies from recurring.
Typical Cases
I. Collision accident at Lixin Sha Bridge in Nansha, Guangzhou on “2·22”
At 5:31 AM on February 22, 2024, the container ship “Lianghui 688” was navigating the Hongqili Waterway in Nansha, Guangzhou. Due to improper maneuvering by the crew, the vessel failed to accurately enter the navigable span and successively struck two piers of the Lixin Sha Bridge, causing the bridge deck to fracture.
▲ Source: Internet, delete upon infringement
II. Collision accident at Jiujiang Bridge in Foshan on “4·22”
At 20:48 on April 22, 2024, the “Xinronghai 1,” fully loaded with steel coil cargo, was sailing in the waters of the Jiujiang Bridge over the Xijiang River in Foshan. It was the flood season at the time, with swift currents and complex water conditions in the river channel.
The captain made a serious misjudgment of the on-site hydrological conditions. The vessel lost control, scraped against the bridge’s anti-collision facilities, and, affected by both the impact and the currents, subsequently took on water and sank.
▲ Source: Internet, delete upon infringement
III. Bridge strike accident at the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, USA
On March 26, 2025, while the Singapore-flagged container ship “Dali” was departing the Port of Baltimore, USA, an electrical fault led to a sudden total blackout. Core equipment such as the main engine and steering gear failed simultaneously. The ship completely lost control and struck the main pier of the Francis Scott Key Bridge head-on.
The immense impact force caused the entire bridge to collapse. Multiple road construction workers on the bridge were in danger, ultimately resulting in 6 fatalities.
▲ Source: Internet, delete upon infringement
Accountability and Legal Consequences
1. Administrative Level
For crew members who fail to keep a proper lookout, mishandle the vessel, or engage in illegal navigation, the maritime authorities will impose warnings, fines, suspension or revocation of competency certificates in accordance with the “Maritime Traffic Safety Law” and “Regulations on Inland River Traffic Safety Management.” For shipping companies that fail to fulfill their safety responsibilities, they will be ordered to rectify within a time limit and fined; in severe cases, their operating permits will be revoked.
2. Civil Level
If the accident causes bridge damage, vehicle destruction, casualties, etc., the shipowner, operator, and crew must bear compensation according to their proportion of liability. Compensation amounts in major cases can reach tens of millions of yuan.
3. Criminal Level
If the accident results in significant casualties or major loss of public or private property, and the responsible personnel have violated transportation management regulations, criminal liability will be pursued under Article 133 “Crime of Causing a Traffic Accident” or Article 115 “Crime of Endangering Public Security by Dangerous Means” of the “Criminal Law.” For example, the responsible personnel in accidents such as the Lixin Sha Bridge were all investigated for criminal liability according to law.
Key Red Lines
The above legal liabilities are not isolated but are layered upon each other. A single violation can lead to administrative penalties, civil claims, and if the consequences are severe, criminal liability. Therefore, lawful ship handling is not only a safety requirement but also a legal bottom line.
Ship Navigation in Bridge Areas: Strictly Adhere to Navigation Rules
Pre-voyage Checks Required — Verify the bridge’s navigable vertical clearance against the route, real-time water level, and the vessel’s height above the waterline. Thoroughly inspect key equipment such as the main engine, steering gear, and power supply. Never enter a bridge area with existing defects.
Navigate by Aids — Strictly follow navigation aids and warning signs. Maintain sufficient air draft and keep a safe lateral distance from bridge piers.
Strengthen Lookout — Observe navigation marks, water levels, and current speeds in advance. Maintain a proper lookout. Vessels entering rivers from the sea must strictly implement the anchoring of the anchor and posting of a lookout at the bow.
Prohibited Actions
× Drifting, turning around, crossing
× Not navigating in designated channels
× Not maintaining required watchkeeping duties
Every accident is a combination of relaxed safety awareness and operational failure;
Every cost is irreparable loss of life and property.
Let all vessels and companies take these cases as a mirror, and implement responsibility in every voyage and every operation.
Obeying laws and regulations is the path to safety!
