The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated legal action against the owner and operator of the cargo ship involved in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collision in Baltimore. The lawsuit seeks to recover over $100 million spent by authorities to clear the debris from the bridge collapse and reopen the port.
Filed on Sept. 18, the lawsuit alleges that the cargo ship Dali experienced technical issues due to poor maintenance and improper configuration, leading to a loss of power and deviation from its course, resulting in the bridge collision that claimed six lives.
The complaint, lodged in a Maryland district court, blames the “unseaworthy condition” of the ship for the incident. It states that the vessel’s propeller, rudder, anchor, and bow thruster, all essential for maneuvering, failed to function correctly, contributing to the crash.
The DOJ is pursuing damages exceeding $100 million from the ship’s owner, Grace Ocean Private Ltd., and its manager, Synergy Marine Group, both based in Singapore.
The legal action also highlights the negligence of the companies, citing safety violations and improper maintenance of the vessel’s electrical and mechanical systems. The lawsuit seeks to hold the companies accountable for the costs incurred by the U.S. in response to the disaster, including the cleanup and pollution mitigation efforts.
Furthermore, it was revealed that a Maryland-licensed pilot was guiding the Dali when a transformer failure led to the power loss. Despite attempts to restore power manually, the vessel experienced a second power failure due to cost-saving measures that compromised safety protocols.
The aftermath of the collision involved extensive cleanup operations involving various government agencies, costing taxpayers over $100 million. The DOJ is urging the court to compel the companies to cover these expenses and impose punitive damages to prevent future reckless behavior.
Additionally, families of the deceased construction workers have expressed their intention to pursue legal action against the ship’s owner and manager, alleging negligence and disregard for safety concerns prior to the accident.
Please rewrite the sentence.
Source link
