Ship owner cut corners on repairs before deadly Baltimore bridge collapse, US says in $100M lawsuit

The U. S. Justice Department has filed a significant lawsuit against the owners and managers of the cargo ship Dali, seeking to recover over $100 million related to the cleanup costs following a fatal bridge collapse in Baltimore. The lawsuit claims that the ship's electrical and mechanical systems were poorly maintained, resulting in a critical power loss that caused the vessel to veer off course and strike the Francis Scott Key Bridge. This catastrophic event led to the deaths of six road workers who were performing maintenance on the bridge at the time.

Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that this tragedy was entirely avoidable and emphasized the importance of holding the responsible companies accountable. The lawsuit names Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and Synergy Marine Group, both based in Singapore, as defendants, who are now attempting to limit their liability in what could be a historic marine casualty case. The incident has drawn attention to workplace safety, particularly for immigrant workers, as all the victims were Latino immigrants. Families of the victims are also pursuing claims for accountability and advocating for enhanced protections in the workplace.

This case highlights significant concerns regarding maritime safety and corporate responsibility in the shipping industry.