Justice Dept. Sues Ship Owner After Collision with Baltimore Bridge

The Justice Department announced on Wednesday that it has filed a lawsuit against the owner and operator of the container ship responsible for the tragic collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March. This lawsuit seeks $100 million in damages for the collapse of the structure, which resulted in the deaths of six construction workers and significant economic repercussions.

During a call with reporters, Justice Department officials indicated that the Singapore-based companies involved—Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited—knew of existing issues with their ship, the Dali, that posed risks of power outages before the incident. The collision occurred in the early morning hours of March 26, when the ship lost power and struck a bridge column, leading to a portion of the bridge crashing into the water.

“The civil claims filed today allege that the collision stemmed from a series of catastrophic failures onboard the Dali in the moments leading up to impact, all resulting from alleged negligence,” stated U.S. Attorney Erek Barron for the District of Maryland.

Justice Department officials further noted that the U.S. government incurred over $100 million in costs for responding to the disaster and reopening the Port of Baltimore afterward. They also mentioned that the state of Maryland may pursue additional damages for the necessary reconstruction of the bridge.

The lawsuit is part of an ongoing federal district court case in Maryland that began shortly after the tragedy. Initially, Grace Ocean Private Limited sought to limit its legal liability connected to the incident. Recently, the families of three of the deceased construction workers announced plans to hold the Singapore-based company legally accountable, which, if successful, could yield monetary compensation for their losses.

In a heartfelt television interview with CBS News this week, Maria del Carmen Castellon, who lost her husband Miguel Luna in the bridge collapse, expressed her desire for “justice.” She emphasized that justice for her would mean having her husband back in her life, calling him and the other workers who died that day “heroes.”

“They were there,” she reflected somberly, “so this country can have better streets. And those bridges, to have better conditions.”

The tragic incident highlights serious safety concerns surrounding maritime operations and the potential consequences of negligence in such high-stakes environments. As investigations continue, the impact of this event resonates deeply within the Baltimore community and among the families who lost loved ones.

The allegations raised by the Justice Department raise critical questions about accountability for maritime safety and regulation, as well as the structures that support infrastructure in the United States. In the wake of the tragedy, there is a growing call for enhanced safety protocols to prevent future incidents of this nature.

The outcome of the lawsuit and the possible implications it may have for the shipping industry and construction safety regulations will be closely monitored as the case unfolds. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of diligence and responsibility in all sectors, particularly when human lives are at stake.

Source: CBS News