​This information is preliminary and subject to change.​​

On June 5, 2024, about 1217 local time (eastern daylight time), the 997-foot-long Liberian-flagged containership, MSC Michigan VII, was transiting outbound on the Cooper River from the North Charleston Terminal in Charleston, South Carolina, when the bridge team discovered that the ship was unable to answer throttle commands. The pilot onboard contacted the Charleston Harbor Pilot dispatch and advised them the ship was transiting at a high and uncontrollable rate of speed. The pilot dispatcher notified local authorities, who cleared traffic on the Ravenel Bridge and in the Cooper River channel. The vessel transited through the Ravenel Bridge without incident, and the ship’s crew was eventually able to regain control of the engines, stop the vessel, and anchor. The vessel’s wake caused damage to vessels and facilities along the Cooper River. Two persons on a recreational vessel were injured. No pollution was reported. Damages are estimated to exceed $500,000.

The US Coast Guard has declared this incident a major marine casualty. The Coast Guard will lead the investigation, and the NTSB will investigate and determine the probable cause.