The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit seeking over $100 million against Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and Synergy Marine Group in connection with the March 26, 2024, bridge collapse in Baltimore, which was caused by the cargo ship Dali. The lawsuit alleges that the companies exhibited reckless negligence by employing jury-rigged mechanical systems and ignoring known electrical issues that led to a power outage just before the ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in the tragic deaths of six construction workers. According to the DOJ, the ship's steering failed due to this power loss, and prior blackouts had occurred while the vessel was docked, raising serious concerns about safety protocols being overlooked. [9f7e2ac2]
In a related development, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office confirmed that they boarded the Maersk Saltoro on September 23, 2024. This vessel, managed by Synergy Marine Group, is linked to the Dali, which caused the Baltimore bridge collapse. The investigation is focusing on the negligence allegations against Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine, particularly regarding the electrical issues that were reportedly ignored. The DOJ's lawsuit highlights that the Dali's electrical systems were 'jury-rigged,' and previous reports from the ship's captain noted 'heavy vibration' in May 2023, indicating potential mechanical failures. [2599011d]
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that the financial burden of the disaster should fall on the companies involved, not on taxpayers. The lawsuit follows the intent of the victims' families to file claims against the companies for negligence, highlighting the ongoing quest for accountability in the aftermath of this avoidable tragedy. This incident has sparked discussions about the need for stricter safety regulations in maritime operations to prevent similar occurrences in the future. [9f7e2ac2]