City of Baltimore Sues Operators of Container Ship for Bridge Collapse
The city of Baltimore has taken legal action against the operators of a container ship involved in a tragic incident that led to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in the loss of six lives. The city has accused the ship’s crew of incompetence and negligence, highlighting serious concerns about the seaworthiness of the vessel.
Legal Allegations
- The city officials stated that the container ship, named Dali, was “clearly unseaworthy” at the time of the accident.
- The owners and managers of the ship, Grace Ocean Private Ltd and Synergy Marine Group, are being accused of potential criminal negligence.
- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge occurred after the container ship lost power and collided with a support pylon.
Probe and Lawsuit Details
An investigation into the incident will focus on whether the crew of the Dali was aware of the ship’s mechanical issues before departing from port. The city’s lawsuit claims that the collapse was a result of the owner’s carelessness, negligence, and recklessness.
According to reports, alarms indicating power supply issues on the Dali were ignored before the ship set sail, despite its unseaworthy condition. The lawsuit further alleges that the crew lacked proper training and failed to adhere to navigation protocols.
FBI Criminal Probe
Recent reports suggest that the FBI has initiated a criminal investigation into the container ship. The probe aims to determine whether the crew knowingly operated the vessel with serious system malfunctions. This development underscores the severity of the situation and the need for accountability.
It is essential to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and that responsible parties are held accountable for their actions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.