The Department of Justice is suing Grace Ocean Private Ltd and Synergy Marine Group over their alleged role in the Baltimore bridge collapse earlier this year.
At a Glance
- The DOJ filed a lawsuit against the owner and manager of the cargo ship responsible for the Baltimore bridge collapse.
- The government seeks over $100 million to cover cleanup and reopening costs.
- Improper maintenance reportedly led to the ship’s power loss and subsequent collision.
- Six road work crew members were killed in the incident.
- The DOJ aims to ensure companies, not taxpayers, cover the incurred costs.
DOJ Targets Companies Over Baltimore Bridge Collapse
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Grace Ocean Private Ltd and Synergy Marine Group. This action follows the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore caused by their cargo ship, the Dali, in March this year.
The government aims to recover over $100 million spent on clearing underwater debris and reopening the port. The lawsuit alleges improper maintenance of the ship’s electrical and mechanical systems, which led to the power loss and collision.
DOJ Files Lawsuit Against Owner & Operator of the Vessel that Destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge
Claim Seeks Over $100M in Costs Incurred to Reopen Access to the Port of Baltimore & Punitive Damages for the Owner & Operator’s Reckless Conducthttps://t.co/3rPo6H1SMp pic.twitter.com/6yZIS6VGCj
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) September 18, 2024
The Chain Reaction Leading to Tragedy
On the day of the incident, the ship was en route to Sri Lanka but lost steering due to a power failure, resulting in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Six road work crew members were killed. Victims’ families plan to file claims holding the ship’s owner and manager liable.
“This tragedy was entirely avoidable,” the Justice Department’s lawsuit argued.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Chetan Patil accused Grace Ocean and Synergy of negligence and recklessness. Additionally, other parties including city officials and local businesses, have filed claims of negligence against the companies. An independent agency also halted further electrical testing on the ship due to safety concerns.
Broader Impact and Long-Term Consequences
Inspector reports identified various maintenance issues, including cracked equipment, loose nuts and bolts, and broken electrical cable ties. The ship’s automatic power transfer system was disabled, requiring manual restoration of power—factors reportedly contributing to the crash. A separate issue with the ship’s fuel pumps is reported to have caused further power loss. The state of Maryland may seek additional damages for rebuilding the bridge.
“With this civil claim, the Justice Department is working to ensure that the costs of clearing the channel and reopening the Port of Baltimore are borne by the companies that caused the crash, not by the American taxpayer,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.
The bridge collapse led to the temporary closure of the Port of Baltimore, a major U.S. port for automobiles, which did not fully reopen until June 10.
Sources
- Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against The Owner And Operator Of The Vessel That Destroyed The Francis Scott Key Bridge
- DOJ lawsuit says Baltimore bridge collapse was ‘entirely avoidable;’ seeks $100M in cleanup costs
- Justice Department files $100 million lawsuit against owner of ship that rammed into Baltimore’s Key Bridge
