The City of Baltimore has filed court documents stating that the owner and manager of the cargo ship involved in the Francis Scott Key Bridge accident last month should be held directly responsible and not allowed to avoid legal liability. The 985-foot ship collided with the bridge after losing power to its engine and navigation equipment, causing the bridge to collapse and resulting in six fatalities, the closure of the port, and disruptions to the shipping industry along the East Coast. The ship’s owner, Grace Ocean, and its manager, Synergy Marine, have requested to be exonerated from liability, arguing that the accident was not their fault.
Lawyers for Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine have argued that if found liable, the total amount should be limited to approximately $43.7 million, equivalent to the value of the ship and its freight at the time of the accident minus salvage and repair costs. They maintain that there was no fault, neglect, or lack of care on the part of the companies leading to the accident. However, the City of Baltimore has rejected these arguments, claiming that the companies should be held accountable for any damages that can be awarded during a jury trial. The city attributes the accident to the companies’ carelessness, negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, and the unseaworthiness of the vessel.
The city’s filing is based on a report indicating that the Dali had electrical problems before leaving port, leading to the argument that the accident was a result of the companies’ negligence. Baltimore seeks to pursue legal claims against those responsible for the Key Bridge disaster to ensure adequate compensation for the city, its residents, and businesses affected by the incident. The city has plans to make significant claims against the ship’s owner and manufacturer, among other parties. Representatives for Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine were not available for comment at the time, and Synergy did not address the issue of liability in public statements following the accident.
The Dali, a ship built in 2015, was en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and then Yantian, China, carrying 4,679 containers and 22 seafarers from India when the accident occurred. The incident had widespread implications, causing significant damage and loss of life, prompting legal action by the City of Baltimore to seek compensation for the damages incurred. The federal investigation into the accident is expected to take years, leaving the legal battle between the city and the ship’s owner and manager ongoing in the meantime. The case highlights the complexities of liability and legal responsibility in maritime accidents and underscores the importance of accountability in ensuring justice and compensation for those affected by such incidents.
