The Justice Department has filed a civil claim in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland against Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, the Singaporean corporations that owned and operated the container ship responsible for destroying the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
On March 26, the Motor Vessel DALI departed from the Port of Baltimore bound for Sri Lanka. While navigating through the Fort McHenry Channel, the vessel experienced power failures before striking the bridge. The collapse resulted in six fatalities and obstructed shipping routes to and from Baltimore, severing a critical highway and impacting local commuters.
The lawsuit seeks over $100 million to cover costs incurred by the United States in response to the disaster and clearing debris from navigable channels to reopen the port.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, “The Justice Department is committed to ensuring accountability for those responsible for the destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which resulted in tragic deaths and disrupted our country’s transportation and defense infrastructure.”
Federal agencies led efforts to remove approximately 50,000 tons of steel, concrete, and asphalt from both the channel and DALI itself. Temporary channels were cleared to alleviate port bottlenecks until full clearance was achieved by June 10.
Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer noted that vibration issues on DALI were known but not addressed properly: “Out of negligence, mismanagement, and a desire to cut costs, they configured systems in a way that prevented quick restoration after power outages.”
The lawsuit claims none of four means available—propeller, rudder, anchor or bow thruster—functioned during crucial moments.
“This was an entirely avoidable catastrophe,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton. "The suit seeks recovery costs including removal of bridge parts entangled with DALI as well as abating oil pollution risks."
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron emphasized accountability: “Those responsible for this tragedy will be held accountable.”
Punitive damages are also sought to deter future negligence by similar entities. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Chetan Patil highlighted reckless decisions made by Grace Ocean and Synergy: “This accident happened because they chose to send an unseaworthy vessel into a critical waterway.”
Rear Admiral Laura M. Dickey remarked on swift Coast Guard actions post-incident: “We stand ready to support ensuring those responsible pay reopening costs.”
Maryland may file its own claim for reconstruction damages separately since it built and maintained the bridge.
The United States is represented by attorneys from Civil Division’s Aviation Space & Admiralty Litigation Section alongside U.S. Attorney’s Office for District of Maryland's Baltimore Division.
These allegations have yet to result in any determination of liability.
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