Baltimore bridge collapse: Netizens slam ‘racist’ cartoon on DALI ship’s all-Indian crew

A controversial webcomic based in the United States, notorious for its politically incorrect humor, faced severe criticism following the posting of a cartoon that depicted the Indian crew of the DALI cargo vessel involved in a collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

The cartoon, produced by Foxford Comics, showed the crew wearing loincloths while standing in what appeared to be the ship’s interior flooded with muddy water, leading up to the vessel’s collision with the bridge. Accompanied by a string of profanities in the audio, the cartoon was deemed offensive and racially insensitive by many who viewed it.

“Last known recording from inside the Dali moments before impact,” Foxford Comics wrote on X (formerly Twitter) while sharing the video. The cartoon also had the audio of people swearing at each other in English, but with a strong Indian accent.

Last known recording from inside the Dali moments before impact pic.twitter.com/Z1vkc828TY

— Foxford Comics (@FoxfordComics) March 26, 2024

The cartoon, which has since garnered 4.2 million views on X, was criticised by hundreds of people who condemned it, labeling it as racist, while also pointing out that the ship was likely being steered by a local American pilot, as per maritime regulations.

Indian economist Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Indian Prime Minister, also weighed in on the controversy, emphasising that the crew had alerted authorities prior to the collision, thereby minimising potential casualties. Sanyal criticized the cartoon’s creators for capitalising on the tragedy to produce racially charged content.

“At the time that the ship hit the bridge, it would have had a local pilot,” he said.

“In any case, the crew had warned the authorities which is why the casualties were relatively few (for such a disaster). But, hey, why give up a chance to do racist cartoons,” Sanyal added.

At the time that the ship hit the bridge, it would have had a local pilot. In any case, the crew had warned the authorities which is why the casualties were relatively few (for such a disaster). But, hey, why give up a chance to do racist cartoons 1/2 https://t.co/NTY7dCPvW6

— Sanjeev Sanyal (@sanjeevsanyal) March 27, 2024

Responding to the economist’s remarks, one user said, “Why aren’t you guys doing something about this? I mean, racism against Indians has skyrocketed recently.”

Responding to the outcry, one user called for action against the rise in racism targeting Indians. Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing disdain for the cartoon’s mockery of a tragic incident.

Meanwhile, United States President Joe Biden has commended the quick response of local authorities and acknowledged the efforts of the Indian crew in sending out an SOS, which contributed to preventing further loss of life.

The cargo ship, carrying 22 Indian crew members, was confirmed to have caused the bridge collapse, resulting in the presumed deaths of six workers who went missing. Despite search efforts by the US Coast Guard and Maryland State Police, the likelihood of finding survivors dwindled due to the frigid temperatures of the waters and the time elapsed since the incident.

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