US sues firms whose ship destroyed Baltimore bridge for $100m

The steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sits on top of the container ship Dali after the bridge collapsed, Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26, 2024. - The bridge collapsed early March 26 after being struck by the Singapore-flagged Dali, sending multiple vehicles and people plunging into the frigid harbor below. There was no immediate confirmation of the cause of the disaster, but Baltimore's Police Commissioner Richard Worley said there was "no indication" of terrorism. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP)

The steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sits on top of the container ship Dali after the bridge collapsed, Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26, 2024. – The bridge collapsed early March 26 after being struck by the Singapore-flagged Dali, sending multiple vehicles and people plunging into the frigid harbor below. There was no immediate confirmation of the cause of the disaster, but Baltimore’s Police Commissioner Richard Worley said there was “no indication” of terrorism. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP)

The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking over $100 million from Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, the companies responsible for the container ship that caused the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in March.

The suit claims the firms’ negligence and cost-cutting on ship maintenance led to the “entirely avoidable” disaster.

The lawsuit alleges the companies “sent an ill-prepared crew on an unseaworthy vessel” to the U.S., risking lives and infrastructure.

Federal prosecutors argue the financial penalty will cover the costs of the government’s response and the extensive cleanup, which involved clearing 50,000 tons of debris from the water to reopen the Port of Baltimore.

The lawsuit marks the first federal enforcement action since the nearly 1,000-foot-long ship, the Dali, struck a crucial bridge support, killing six workers who were repairing the bridge.

The Justice Department also seeks punitive damages, stating that the companies need to be deterred from similar actions in the future.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said that the department is committed to holding those responsible for the collapse accountable. The city of Baltimore and the families of three victims are also pursuing legal action against the companies.

The lawsuit details how mechanical failures onboard led to the collision, criticising the companies for “jury-rigged” fixes and failing to report previous issues. A criminal investigation by the FBI is ongoing.

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