On September 18, 2024, Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer delivered remarks on the Justice Department's lawsuit against the owner and operator of the Motor Vessel DALI. The vessel was responsible for destroying the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, resulting in six fatalities.
Joined by Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Chetan Patil, U.S. Attorney Erek Barron for the District of Maryland, and representatives from several federal agencies, Mizer outlined the United States' civil claim filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The lawsuit seeks over $100 million in damages and costs incurred due to the disaster and efforts to reopen access to the Port of Baltimore.
Mizer recounted that on March 26, while navigating through the Fort McHenry Channel, the DALI lost power multiple times before crashing into the bridge. This incident led to its collapse and resulted in significant economic disruption.
"Six construction workers tragically lost their lives when the bridge collapsed," Mizer said. "Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones for this senseless and wholly preventable loss."
The collapse not only severed a critical highway link but also blocked maritime traffic at one of America's largest shipping hubs. President Biden had pledged federal support to restore operations at the Port of Baltimore swiftly. Over 50 federal, state, and local agencies collaborated in response efforts focused initially on search and rescue operations followed by debris removal.
Thanks to these efforts, commercial navigation resumed on June 10 after clearing more than 50,000 tons of debris from both the channel and vessel.
Mizer commended various agencies for their cooperation: "I stand in awe of the remarkable work done by the U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving... as well as our State and local partners."
The lawsuit alleges that negligence by DALI’s owner and operator caused this avoidable catastrophe due to known vibration issues leading to power outages which were not properly addressed.
"The United States spent more than $100 million responding to this disaster... Those costs should be borne by the ship’s owner and operator," stated Mizer.
In addition to recovering these costs, punitive damages are being sought to deter future reckless behavior that endangers American lives and infrastructure.
Mizer concluded by acknowledging partnerships with various government entities essential in bringing forth this comprehensive civil action.