On September 18, 2024, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Chetan A. Patil delivered remarks regarding the Justice Department's lawsuit against Grace Ocean and Synergy, the owner and operator of the Motor Vessel DALI. The lawsuit seeks to recover over $100 million in federal taxpayer funds spent in response to the destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Additionally, punitive damages are sought due to what is described as "reckless and grossly negligent conduct" by these entities.
Patil stated that an ongoing investigation has revealed that the accident was avoidable. According to the claim, improper configuration and maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems on the DALI led to a loss of power and subsequent equipment failures. These failures culminated in the vessel striking a pier of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing its collapse into the Fort McHenry Channel.
The initial power loss occurred when circuit breakers tripped at an electrical transformer in the engine room due to excessive vibration problems. Evidence suggests this issue was long-standing, with makeshift fixes falling short of appropriate standards. When this transformer failed, automation meant to shift power to another transformer had been disabled, leading to delays in regaining power. The ship’s emergency generator also failed, and an inadequate temporary fuel pump could not restart after a blackout.
Without restored power, steering became impossible. Issues with the DALI’s anchor and bow thruster thwarted emergency efforts to prevent disaster. Patil emphasized that these events resulted from "careless and grossly negligent decisions" by Grace Ocean and Synergy.
The United States' claim aims to hold these entities accountable for costs incurred by federal agencies responding to the disaster. This includes removing debris from Fort McHenry Channel and mitigating oil pollution risks. Punitive damages are sought to deter similar future conduct by vessel owners prioritizing profits over safety.
While committed to reconstructing the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Patil noted that damage recovery for reconstruction costs would be pursued by Maryland since it built, owned, maintained, and operated the bridge.
Patil concluded by thanking attorneys from the Aviation, Space & Admiralty Litigation Section for their diligent work since the accident occurred.