The City of Baltimore Holds Cargo Ship Owner and Manager Responsible for Key Bridge Collapse
In a recent development following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last month, the City of Baltimore has taken a firm stance against the owner and manager of the cargo ship involved in the accident. According to court documents filed on Monday, the city asserts that the owner and operator of the 985-foot-long ship are directly responsible for the incident and should not be allowed to evade legal liability.
The cargo ship, which had departed from the Port of Baltimore, collided with the bridge in the early hours of March 26 after experiencing engine and navigation equipment failure. The collapse of the bridge resulted in the loss of six construction workers’ lives, the closure of the port, and disruptions to the shipping industry along the East Coast.
While a federal investigation into the accident is ongoing, the ship’s owner, Grace Ocean, and its manager, Synergy Marine, have sought exoneration from liability for any related losses or damages. However, lawyers representing the City of Baltimore have rejected these claims, arguing that the companies should be held accountable for the damages resulting from the accident.
The city’s filing alleges that the accident was a direct result of the Singaporean firms’ negligence and recklessness, as well as the unseaworthiness of the vessel. The filing also references reports of electrical problems on the ship before its departure, further supporting the city’s claims of negligence on the part of the ship’s owner and operator.
As the legal battle unfolds, the City of Baltimore is determined to seek justice for the victims of the Key Bridge catastrophe and ensure that the city and its residents are adequately compensated for their losses. Representatives for Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine have yet to comment on the city’s claims, but the city remains steadfast in its pursuit of legal action against those deemed responsible for the tragic incident.
The Dali, the cargo ship involved in the accident, was en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Yantian, China, carrying containers and seafarers from India. As the investigation continues, the City of Baltimore remains committed to holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions and seeking justice for the victims of the Key Bridge collapse.
