The state of Maryland is adding to the growing legal troubles for the owner of the container ship Dali, which caused the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The ship, operated by Singapore-based Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and Synergy Marine Group, experienced a major electrical failure and other issues that led to the accident.
On Tuesday, state officials filed a new lawsuit, echoing similar claims that the companies knowingly sent an unsafe ship into U.S. waters. Maryland Governor Wes Moore spoke at a news conference, saying, “A bridge that served thousands of vehicles every day should still be here. And the six victims of the collapse should still be here with us today.”
Six construction workers were killed when the ship hit one of the bridge’s support columns, causing part of it to collapse into the water. The workers’ families have also filed lawsuits against the companies involved.
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Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice detailed the ship’s many mechanical and electrical failures. They described how systems on the ship were poorly maintained and “jury-rigged.” A spokesperson for Grace Ocean responded, saying they look forward to defending themselves in court.
In April, FBI agents boarded the Dali as part of a criminal investigation into the incident. Another ship managed by Synergy was also inspected in Baltimore last weekend.
The Dali was leaving Baltimore for Sri Lanka when it lost power and steering. As the bridge collapsed, six road workers who were repairing potholes during an overnight shift fell to their deaths. The collapse disrupted shipping traffic through the Port of Baltimore for months, with full operations only resuming in June.
In response, Grace Ocean and Synergy have sought to limit their financial responsibility, but many, including Baltimore’s mayor, local businesses, and insurance companies, have filed claims against them. The state’s lawsuit seeks damages to cover the cleanup, bridge rebuilding, lost toll revenue, and environmental damage.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown emphasized that the state will not shoulder the costs caused by the companies’ negligence. “The destruction of the Key Bridge has brought immense pain and suffering that will last for years,” Brown said.