A federal lawsuit filed against the owners and operators of the Dali seeks $100 million in damages for the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which killed six people.
The Justice Department (DOJ) has filed a $100 million civil lawsuit against the owner and operator of the Dali, the ship that crashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing its collapse. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, targets Singaporean corporations Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, alleging negligence and recklessness.
The lawsuit claims that the companies "sent an ill-prepared crew on an abjectly unseaworthy vessel to navigate the United States' waterways," leading to the disaster that killed six people. It alleges that the ship's owners and operators failed to adequately maintain the vessel and ignored risks to lives and infrastructure.
Justice Department Sues Ship Owner for $100 Million in Baltimore Bridge Collapse
The Dali left Baltimore on March 26, 2024, bound for Sri Lanka. The lawsuit alleges that the ship lost power, regained it, and then lost it again while maneuvering through the Fort McHenry Channel. The vessel subsequently struck the Key Bridge, causing its collapse.
The incident resulted in the closure of the Port of Baltimore and a critical highway route. The U.S. government incurred significant costs in removing debris from the channel and reopening the port. The lawsuit seeks to recover $100 million for these expenses.
Justice Department Sues Ship Owner for $100 Million in Baltimore Bridge Collapse
"This accident happened because of the careless and grossly negligent decisions made by Grace Ocean and Synergy," said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Chetan Patil. "The Justice Department is committed to ensuring accountability for those responsible for the destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge."
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the lawsuit aims to hold the companies responsible for the costs of clearing the channel and reopening the Port of Baltimore.
Justice Department Sues Ship Owner for $100 Million in Baltimore Bridge Collapse
The lawsuit highlights several issues with the Dali's operation, including vibration issues that could have caused a power outage. It alleges that the companies failed to take necessary precautions and configured the ship's systems in a way that prevented quick restoration of propulsion and steering after a power outage.
"This was an entirely avoidable catastrophe, resulting from a series of eminently foreseeable errors," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton.
Justice Department Sues Ship Owner for $100 Million in Baltimore Bridge Collapse
The lawsuit seeks damages for the removal of bridge parts, abatement of oil pollution risks, and other expenses incurred by the U.S. government.
Attorneys for Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit.
