The City of Baltimore is holding the owners of the Dali cargo ship fully liable for the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that resulted in the deaths of six people. City officials argue that the owners, Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., were negligent in putting an unseaworthy vessel into the water, calling their actions grossly and potentially criminally negligent. The city is demanding a jury trial and objecting to the companies’ efforts to limit their liability to the value of the vessel and cargo, stating that the losses and damages arising from the incident will far exceed that amount. The city contends that the Dali should never have been allowed to leave port, as alarms indicating an inconsistent power supply had sounded before its departure.
The spokesperson for the Dali’s owners declined to address the specific allegations made in the court filings, stating that investigations by the Coast Guard and the NTSB are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident. The company is cooperating with authorities and assisting responders at the scene. The allision, or collision, between the Dali and the Key Bridge on March 26 resulted in the deaths of six construction workers and significant economic repercussions. The Port of Baltimore, a key economic driver that generated over $70 billion in 2023 alone, has come to a halt as a result of the incident, potentially taking years to fully recover.
The court filings also criticize the ship’s crew members, accusing them of incompetence, lack of skill or training, inattention to duties, and failure to comply with local navigation customs. The city alleges that the crew’s negligence contributed to the destruction of the Key Bridge and the shutdown of the Port of Baltimore. The economic impact of this incident on the city, in terms of lost jobs, revenue, and pride, is expected to be significant. The Dali, which was scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka by April 22, remains stranded in Baltimore for an unknown period of time for inspection and repair. It is unclear when the crew will be able to leave the ship or return to sea.
The City of Baltimore is seeking justice for the victims of this tragedy, holding the owners and crew of the Dali accountable for their actions. The court filings indicate that the city views the incident as a result of gross negligence on the part of the ship’s owners and crew, leading to significant loss of life and economic disruption. The city’s demand for a jury trial reflects its determination to pursue full accountability and compensation for the damages caused by the collapse of the Key Bridge. As investigations into the incident continue, the city remains committed to ensuring that those responsible are held liable for their actions.
The aftermath of the allision between the Dali and the Key Bridge has had far-reaching consequences for the Port of Baltimore and the city as a whole. The economic impact of the incident is expected to be substantial, with the port’s operations halted and a long road to full recovery ahead. The city’s efforts to seek justice and compensation for the losses incurred demonstrate its commitment to holding those responsible accountable and ensuring that such incidents do not happen again in the future. The legal proceedings and ongoing investigations will shed further light on the causes of the incident and hopefully bring closure to the victims and the community affected by this tragic event.
