Baltimore Takes Legal Action Against Ship Owner Over Bridge Collapse
Baltimore has initiated legal proceedings against the owner and operator of the cargo ship involved in the collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leading to its collapse last month.
The legal claim, filed on Monday, targets Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine PTE LTD, the respective owner and manager of the Dali, the vessel responsible for the incident.
According to the claim obtained by CNN, attorneys representing Baltimore’s mayor and City Council allege that both companies were negligent in providing the ship with an unqualified crew lacking adequate training and expertise. The city seeks unspecified damages from the companies.
The catastrophic event occurred in the early hours of March 26, when the Dali, carrying cargo containers, struck the vital bridge, resulting in its immediate collapse. The collision claimed at least six lives, caused significant property damage in Baltimore, and disrupted the region’s economic activities.
The legal document highlights that the Dali departed from the port despite indications of an inconsistent power supply, contributing to the tragic outcome.
The Baltimore City Law Office, in a statement to CNN, emphasized the city’s commitment to pursuing legal action to secure compensation for the losses incurred by residents and businesses affected by the bridge collapse.
Earlier, Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine had filed a petition in federal court seeking a $43.6 million cap on liability payouts. However, Baltimore urged the court to reject this request in its latest filings.
Darrell Wilson, a representative for the companies, refrained from commenting extensively on the ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Coast Guard are leading a criminal investigation into the incident, exploring potential crew misconduct and failures in reporting issues with the ship prior to its departure.
