Society's Child

Barge slams into bridge in Oklahoma; cruise ship crashes into wall in Austria

New York Post
Sat, 30 Mar 2024 13:14 UTC

The Oklahoma State Patrol said Saturday that it closed a highway south of Sallisaw after a barge struck a bridge over the Arkansas River.

Troopers closed South US Highway 59 about 1:25 p.m. after receiving word of the incident and diverted traffic from the area, state patrol spokesperson Sarah Stewart said.

The bridge, which crosses the Arkansas River where it enters the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, will remain closed until it can be inspected, she said.

Comment: Footage:

There were no reports of injuries on the highway or the barge, Stewart said.

There were no reports of injuries on the highway or the barge.

It was not immediately known what caused the barge to hit the bridge.

The news came as engineers worked Saturday to lift a section of twisted steel from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland after it crumpled into the Patapsco River as a massive cargo ship crashed into one of its main supports.

Comment: The Independent reports:

At least 17 passengers hurt as cruise ship crashes into wall in River Danube
© (APA/AFP via Getty Images)
A Bulgarian cruise ship carrying over a hundred passengers has crashed into a concrete wall in a sluice on the River Danube in Austria.

The incident occurred overnight in the northern Austrian town of Aschach an der Donau, local police said on Saturday morning.

Eleven people were injured and taken to hospital as a result of the crash. Local media said another six people suffered less serious injuries that did not require hospital treatment.

Some 160 passengers were aboard the ship travelling from Bavaria in Germany to the Austrian city of Linz, a spokesperson for police in the nearby town of Eferding said.

The ship was able to continue onwards after the accident, the spokesperson said.

It was not immediately clear how serious the injuries were, the spokesperson added.

It was also unclear what led to the accident.

The River Danube is one of Europe's most significant and iconic rivers, winding its way through multiple countries and cultures. Cruise ships over the river attract thousands of tourists every year.

Earlier in 2023, a Ukrainian captain of a cruise liner was sentenced to five years in prison in Hungary for his role in a 2019 accident when his boat hit and sank a smaller boat on the River Danube, killing 25 South Korean tourists and two crew.

Obviously accidents, incompetence, and even sabotage, happens; it just remains to be seen which is which:

Reader Comments

ReRan · 2024-03-31T15:55:56Z

As per SOTT comment, is it accidents, incompetence, or sabotage?

codis · 2024-03-31T16:53:51Z

ReRan The events described here might be accidents due to equipment failure or human error.

But I believe the Baltimore Francis-Scott-Key bridge event was not. One of the US' most important shipping nodes for sea transport. And the bridge itself served as a main land distribution lane for the discharged goods.

Asking the "qui bono" question, I think of the same entity that instigated the Crocus city hall shooting.

An entity that is aware they cannot really fight a war, and urgently need to keep the US in the game. Because in the Ukraine game, the US is on the off-ramp for weeks now.

horse · 2024-03-31T18:02:23Z

codis I agree with you, accidently on purpose, and would add that the Chinese made an old odd ship available to the Ukranian captain. A hacked ship. Indonesian owners flying a Singapore flag. Would international shipping profits rise with Americans crippled? Cars don't sell if they can't be delivered. China sells cars. Yemen showed everyone how vulnerable shipping lanes can be in war. For spite, Ukraine will be hurt by further delays of munitions. The Key Bridge was the regions only hazardous material approved route, further fueling costs. A prime target indeed.

codis · 2024-03-31T18:16:49Z

horse We agree with him : [Link]

horse · 2024-03-31T19:23:28Z

codis Obviously other Prime suspects involved. There's one I always suspect and they're good hackers too. I agree with him. Especially this quote.

The fact that the US and Russia both have tried to deflect blame for both of these incidents away from the other is a very big tell. It says clearly that both sides are aware of the dangers these attacks on their sovereignty represent and are unwilling to use them as a casus belli . It’s the most encouraging part of all of this.

boli · 2024-03-31T20:15:45Z

codis So far, I've seen statements to the effect that the Captain was Ukrainian and that he was Indian. The actual steering in harbor is almost always handled by a port-employee expert on the harbor, a Pilot. Your linked guy is on the Ukrainian explanation, which has been massively attacked by debunkers. I don't have any idea what nationality the Captain is, but I'm not sure what that has to do with the wreck. The issue with lights (and presumably generally the electricity) going off and on, and the smoke coming out just before impact is suspicious, of course.

The path of the ship was more obviously strange as shown in the video sped up. Hard to imagine the Pilot was actually doing that, so either electro-mechanical failure or intent. Failure could be real (maintenance issue?) or due to either physical or digital sabotage. I assume these vessels have recorders of cockpit and instrument, like aircraft, and that they are independently powered, so there should be more evidence to be had.

codis · 2024-04-01T13:12:19Z

boli First, of course I don't take his opinion as gospel. But he brings up some good points.

The actual steering in harbor is almost always handled by a port-employee expert on the harbor, a Pilot.

I know, this is common practise almost everywhere. Wasn't Mark Twain one for a while, a long time ago ?

I suppose in such a critical encironment like the Baltimore harbor, a pilot is mandatory. As a side note, many harbors use tug boats for this purpose, which are easier to control.

Your linked guy is on the Ukrainian explanation, which has been massively attacked by debunkers.

The issue with lights (and presumably generally the electricity) going off and on, and the smoke coming out just before impact is suspicious, of course.

These two points contradict each other in some way. If the control systems failed or where hacked, the captain's nationality or intentions are immaterial. As are the pilot's.

Anyone who believes that a ship's controls fail at the very precise moment it passes critical infrastructure after working fine for thousands of miles is either naive or a shill. I would say ...

Failure could be real (maintenance issue?) or due to either physical or digital sabotage.

I heard a podcast lately, stating that those container ships are littered with satellite transmitters, because they move goods worth millions (or billions). Involved companies, including ensurers, continuously want to know what it carries, what it's up to, and where it is. Makes sense to me.

Which serves as a perfect gateway for hacking ...

horse · 2024-04-01T13:48:21Z

codis The ship had problems on a previous voyage but managed to pass inspection just months ago. When I heard that, I thought someone hacked it and was practicing, left it alone to pass inspection, and waited for the intended target to hack in and play again. The black smoke pouring out was the ship thrown into reverse, a last minute futile attempt to avoid or minimize impact. The power going off and on might have been so course corrections could not be made. It would be simple enough to falsify the heading. The question for the black box would be what heading and for how long. It takes a mile and a half to turn such a large ship. When it left port the ship had to make a 270 degree turn to head out. That heading should have pointed to the middle of the bridge. Also, the heading may have displayed and even logged what it should and still have been set to an impact heading. I don't think pilots were aware of the problem till the last minute with a visual.

Suspect · 2024-04-01T15:09:29Z

horse The Dali is a single engine ship which requires certain considerations for steering. Propellers don't only act as a "screw" but also as a wheel. This action is known as "wheel walk". In forward with a single screw, generally the stern "walks" to starboard which steers the bow to port. Therefore, rudder position is tweaked, steering slightly to starboard to accommodate. When steering control was lost, this rudder position was maintained thus steering slightly to starboard which is exacerbated if there is a lack of propulsion or reduced propulsion. Also boats in general tend to "bow steer" to a degree which means eventually the bow will go one way or the other and the longer that is left alone the more exacerbated the effect. It looks to me like this was the case. Further, the black smoke seen was evidence of "emergency astern" or "crash astern" as it's called which is the official "OH SHIT!" in the maritime world. This was only a last ditch effort to slow forward speed I suspect because a crash was seen as inevitable with there being insufficient distance for steering. Unfortunately, just as I have explained forward wheel walk, there's also reverse wheel walk. Which walked the stern to port and further steered the bow to starboard. This can be seen clearly in the video. Also around this time, there was deployment of the port anchor which should have "sprung" the bow to port toward the channel, but being that the ship was already in a to starboard turn, that effect was negated and possibly even had an opposite effect, contributing to the ships to starboard heading. I'm not any kind of expert on ships this size but I am fairly knowledgeable about boats and boat handling and I don't really see much there that stands out as suspicious. It seems mostly to be unfortunate circumstances and timing but foul play shouldn't be ruled out. Just my opinion of course.

horse · 2024-04-01T15:50:15Z

Suspect Thanks. I know some of what you mentioned, but I am no expert. Seems to me the heading is the important factor in this. There were many miles for the ship to go from the turn to the bridge. We don't know yet what the pilots report or what the black box says. It will be in the interests of all concerned that the collision will be determined an accident. Unfortunately, we have only the last 10 mins or so of the incident, not really much time for corrective actions. Terrorism was immediately ruled out. I think we're at war all over this planet. Call it what you will, it was a devasting blow to our infrastructure and who will profit from it. Israel and Ukraine are still waiting more munitions. Brits and EU don't have money for war like we can print. I see China and Indonesia profiting from the Maryland port closure. This will surely delay our pivot to China. Thanking our stars that Russia and US haven't launched all out nuclear war as this would only profit SE Asia.

codis · 2024-04-02T07:34:20Z

horse First, I don't know if this ships have "black boxes" similiar to planes, but I doubt it.

The black smoke pouring out was the ship thrown into reverse, a last minute futile attempt to avoid or minimize impact. The power going off and on might have been so course corrections could not be made. It would be simple enough to falsify the heading

Which might have been an attempt to override the remote control. Just guessing here.

It takes a mile and a half to turn such a large ship.

And similiar distances and efforts to stop it. The kinetic momentum is gigantic.

Which makes me think ...

Knowing physical parameters and the current load of the ship, it would be relatively easy to calculate a trajectory & distance to "cross the Rubicon", i.e. make a collision with an object unavoidable. An attacker would only need to control it up to this point, and then let go. Anything beyond it would not make a difference, but helps to create the appearance of a technical malfunction and rescue attempts.

Again, just guessing here ...

horse · 2024-04-02T09:54:07Z

codis All we ever get to do is guess because they lie to us so often. I heard from a reporter that NTSB would be examining the black box, but I'm guessing it's actually a yellow/orange box. That harbor is so regulated because they don't want accidents ruining their big toys, so when I heard the breaking news, I knew it had to be an attack. That big ship didn't just drift into the support. I worked on computers, and I know a hack when I see one. I respect the expertise you bring to the table, and they weren't fooling you much either. It's harder to determine who did it. There's were 'cui bono' helps but isn't always enough to determine which psychopath pulled the string. Thanks for sharing your guesses, more truth there than in the narrative,

codis · 2024-04-02T10:59:46Z

horse As said, I have no particular knowledge of the shipping industry.

But some insight into the automotive world. And the US mandated GSM access to the ECU for all new registrations for (I believe) 20 years now.

I suppose you know what that means, especially taking the secrecy of manufacturers in regard of customer access to their ECUs into account.

horse · 2024-04-02T17:33:45Z

codis Yeah, I know. They went from tracking to controlling in my short lifespan. Not much I can do about it. No cell on me or in my car. All modes of transportation get the same treatment. I started out in radio and remember a time before computers. Now they jab little upgrades into people. I've seen you over at Stolen history. Imagine a time when Russia and America were allies, and there were always psychopaths or 4Dsts destroying humanities best efforts. I like to think that it annoys them when we perceive the web they weave.

codis · 2024-04-03T05:35:14Z

horse

I've seen you over at Stolen history.

Ah, yes. That was some while ago. But I bailed out when it was overrun by trolls who were BS-ing certain threads and topics to the brim. I learned a lot in this regard there ...

I like to think that it annoys them when we perceive the web they weave.

You can rest assured, they are. And as soon as your sphere of influence reaches a certain threshold, the have the urge to quench it.

Consciously or not, I see reposts of mainstream articles (Daily Mail, NYP, WaPo, etc.) here on SOTT in this light. These articles counterbalance the "conspiracy theorist" bend, and placate the 3-letter-agencies & their troll farms somewhat. Or so I think ...

horse · 2024-04-03T12:13:35Z

codis Oh yeah, the trolls are everywhere, even here. Trying to communicate thru the noise can get exhausting. On the other hand, its where I find the rare jewels of knowledge and experience that I can learn from. I hope you hang around here because your insights and commentary are valuable and appreciated. It's nice to know that some see thru the narratives and bs of history repeating itself.

as soon as your sphere of influence reaches a certain threshold, the have the urge to quench it.

Very true, I've heard it called the general law. A sure sign that we are getting a glimpse of the truth.

codis · 2024-04-03T13:22:26Z

horse

Very true, I've heard it called the general law. A sure sign that we are getting a glimpse of the truth.

Maybe this threshold is rising lately, due to new sites, blogs and media to watch popping up everywhere. And less dummies smart & stupid enough to do such a job.

I suspect SOTT, especially the comment section area, is still some kind of echo chamber, not worth of full surveillance and large-scale troll atacks.

Oh yeah, the trolls are everywhere, even here. Trying to communicate thru the noise can get exhausting. On the other hand, its where I find the rare jewels of knowledge and experience that I can learn from.

As a side note, and experience I made already in Eastern Bloc times - these people, strict communists back then and woke zealots now, have no sense of humor, especially irony or sarcasm. They just don't get it.

Such comments almost always evade the radar ...

horse · 2024-04-03T15:16:40Z

codis I was just reminded a couple days ago that when we pass it's the sense of humor that is missed the most. We take it all so seriously but sometimes you just have to laugh at it. The echo chamber isn't that laughing with you, not at you. Okay, here's something I thought was funny...

Don't Crush That Dwarf, Hand Me The Pliers ~ The Firesign Theatre (youtube.com) [Link]

horse · 2024-04-05T12:10:26Z

codis This just tickled my funny bone,

Strict communists back then and woke zealots now

Not something I'd have known without your comment. It's as bad here in America. People jump on a bandwagon never caring where it's headed. That's what made me think of the Firesign skit. Might have too much slang in it for you, but it mocks the hypocrisy of the West. Don't be too hard on SOTT, they just aggregate the news that's out there. The comments section, find your friends and know your enemies. I think SOTT does a great job keeping down the noise. Hang tough.

codis · 2024-04-05T16:25:25Z

horse

Hang tough.

I try. Hope you too ...

Not something I'd have known without your comment.

That was funny, if one could call it that way.

About 60% or more of the people pretended to get along - repeat communist catch phrases when asked, and probably thought by themself "Eff you !" most of time. Of the rest, about half were said zealots, true believers, humorless people that would have been calvinist preachers or inquisition officers in early times. Like the fearful victims of the covid scare blanked out and scepticism or opposing information, these zealots blanked out any sarcastic comment about communism versus reality.

And of course the remaining rest of the people couldn't even bring themselves to pretend any enthusiasm...

horse · 2024-04-05T18:51:11Z

codis No, really? Most Americans don't get any interaction with the people of the Eastern Bloc and all we hear is the government's talking points. You 'all dress in gray drab sameness and wait in long lines for stuff. I'm afraid of what you must think of us, totin' guns and killing everyone. The great American dream of getting a great job and owning a home and an early retirement is pretty much gone. The people you describe are just like the people here. It's the Wetiko virus. Hard to get rid of it. We'd be better off building immunity to it.

codis · 2024-04-06T13:54:33Z

horse

Most Americans don't get any interaction with the people of the Eastern Bloc and all we hear is the government's talking points. You 'all dress in gray drab sameness and wait in long lines for stuff. I'm afraid of what you must think of us, totin' guns and killing everyone.

The same here, just on the opposite end. Mostly talking points that did not reflect reality, to convince people the grass is greener on this side.

I believe (sic!) it is basically the same everywhere - the USA, Russia, China, and all other African, Arabian, Asian, South American (and whatever) countries. The majority of people is rather decent, honest, and prioritize their family over their government. And with an open mind and a little patience, you can get along in almost every society.

Except those who get wipped up into a total frenzy by their government, and collectively lose their mind. This happened to the Germans after 1933, the whole West after 2020, and now to Israel. And occasionally, these episodes of collective fanatism end really bad ...

horse · 2024-04-06T15:18:09Z

codis Yes, Yes. The majority of people are decent, but a small portion are lying, thieving psychopaths. I did not understand how such existed without any empathy to the rest. It was in my search to understand how this could be that I found Laura's early site outlining psychopathy of individuals and later her revival of the work Political Ponerology for society.

And with an open mind and a little patience, you can get along in almost every society.

That's just going along with the infection. I would suggest...

With a guarded mind and a little non-anticipation, I can survive a sick society.

...

codis · 2024-04-06T16:41:45Z

horse

It was in my search to understand how this could be that I found Laura's early site outlining psychopathy of individuals and later her revival of the work Political Ponerology for society.

To be honest, her articles about psychopathy (especially Ira Einhorn & John Nash) impressed as well. My first actual introduction in what psychopathy means.

>> And with an open mind and a little patience, you can get along in almost every society.

> That's just going along with the infection. I would suggest...

Well, I didn't have too "abberant" societies in minds.

But as an example, during my university times I lived for half a year in the UK (Scotland, actually). Different language, different customs (driving on the wrong side of the road ! :jawdrop:), different foods, different buildings, flats, administrations, etc. In difference to other Germans that were with me there, I never complained why the Scots can't be and live like Germans, but rather observed and explored.

The difference was very small compared to e.g. rural China, Africa or South America, but many can't even manage that.

I think one is either born with and open and sceptical mind, or not.

horse · 2024-04-07T05:47:50Z

codis

Well, I didn't have too "abberant" societies in minds.

I was thinking about the US, the sickness is much worse than when I was younger. It's coming from the WEF and it's spreading in the western world.

With a guarded mind and a little non-anticipation, I can survive a sick society.

A mind that's not open to every influence that comes along but guarded by knowledge of psychopathy. Non-anticipation is being open to what the reality is and not constantly telling the reality what it is or should be.

I was in the US Air Force stationed for a year in Germany. I learned enough German to often pass as a German and so got to know the people very well. I lived off base in a small town about 30 minutes north of Frankfurt. Got down to Munich for an Oktoberfest. Had a great time.

Suspect · 2024-03-31T16:24:56Z

There's been a lot of speculation on these ships floating around lately which I don't personally think is justified. Being a mariner I can attest that these kind of things happen more frequently than many realize. Mechanical and electrical failures are par for the course and operator error is common. Navigation systems and even radar could potentially be hacked or jammed but I have doubts that this is the case in these recent events. The Maryland bridge crash video looked to be unfortunate timing of mechanical failure combined with operator error and misjudgement. Although being skeptical of official narratives these days is the safer bet.

boli · 2024-03-31T17:22:30Z

Awhile back, there was a story about ships in the South Atlantic experiencing navigational issues. This involved many ships, and it was said that it caused them to sail in circular arcs. Reference was made to a, or the, "South Atlantic Anomaly", being - I think - a large area between South America and Southern Africa, in which the Earth's magnetic field had peculiar readings. It was a fairly big story for while, but disappeared from general news. I haven't noticed anything on it for months... but I haven't been looking for it, either.

It seems possible, given the state of solar activity that some effects may be occurring with either or both of our planetary magnetic field and the larger field between and beyond us and Luna. I think there's a reason to look into the specific equipment used on the ship(s) that are or have been affected.

Baybars · 2024-04-01T04:32:33Z

A politically correct response to these events is that they are caused either by climate change or Russians.

I'm not politically correct so I'm putting them all down to diversity hiring practices.

boli · 2024-04-01T15:13:30Z

Baybars Nicely done, excellent in scope. Cumulative dismisinfo multiplies beyond infinity.

Baybars · 2024-04-01T19:09:31Z

boli Red herrings as far as the eye can see.

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Barge slams into bridge in Oklahoma; cruise ship crashes into wall in Austria

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