The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Grace Ocean and Synergy, the owner and operator of the cargo ship Dali, following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26, which resulted in the deaths of six construction workers.
The lawsuit seeks to recover over $100 million spent by the government on disaster response and cleanup, alleging gross negligence on the part of the ship's operators, who failed to maintain critical electrical and mechanical systems.
In parallel, families of three of the deceased workers are set to file their own lawsuit against Grace Ocean, aiming to hold the company accountable for the loss of their loved ones and seeking compensation for their tragic deaths.
The incident has raised significant safety concerns, with reports indicating that the construction company may not have adhered to federal safety regulations, which require a rescue boat to be present when work is being conducted over waterways.
- The Dali, a 1,000-foot-long supercarrier, lost power multiple times before colliding with the bridge, leading to its collapse. The aftermath saw the blockage of the Port of Baltimore, significantly impacting shipping traffic and local commutes.
- The Justice Department's lawsuit not only seeks damages but also punitive measures to deter similar negligence in the future. U.S. Attorney Chetan Patil emphasized the recklessness of sending an unseaworthy vessel into a busy waterway, highlighting the need for accountability in maritime operations.
- The families of the victims are represented by attorney Matthew Wessler, who emphasized the emotional and financial toll on the families, advocating for justice through legal action against those deemed responsible for the tragedy.
