A month after a severe incident where a large container ship crashed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse and tragically claiming the lives of six construction workers, the City of Baltimore has initiated legal action. Court documents reveal that the city is holding the ship’s owner and management fully accountable.
The Baltimore City Law Office, in a recent statement to FOX 5, declared, “The City lodged a claim against the Dali’s owners and managers under admiralty and maritime law. Mayor [name] last week affirmed the city’s commitment to holding those responsible for the Key Bridge disaster accountable to secure adequate compensation for the city, its residents, and businesses. Given the ongoing litigation, we will defer further comments to the courts.”
Although city officials, including the mayor, remained reserved about the legal strategy during a recent press conference, the mayor emphasized, “The details of the lawsuit will be disclosed in due time.”
The city’s legal filing this week asserts that the managing companies were negligent, highlighting that the Dali was not seaworthy and was operated by a poorly trained crew. This follows claims by the ship’s owner, Singapore-based Grace Ocean Private Ltd., and its management, Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., seeking to limit their financial responsibility for the disaster to about $43 million.
On March 26, the vessel lost power shortly after departing from the Port of Baltimore, striking a key support pillar of the bridge.
The legal filing also recognizes the ongoing suffering of the workers’ families, noting their profound and enduring loss.
The ultimate financial responsibility will be decided by the state of Maryland. Meanwhile, Maryland Governor Wes Moore reported progress in the salvage efforts, with significant advancements in clearing debris and plans to open four navigational channels by week’s end.
Addressing the salvage operations, Gov. Moore remarked on the complexity and risks involved, urging uninterrupted continuation of the work.
Regarding any state involvement in the lawsuits, Gov. Moore stated that the state is actively engaged in the ongoing investigations and will act based on the findings.
Synergy Marine’s spokesperson, Darrell Wilson, indicated that the companies are not commenting on the ongoing legal proceedings due to the active Coast Guard and NTSB investigations.
