The investigation revealed that moments before the allision, the Dali suffered two electrical failures, which disabled its propulsion and steering capabilities. Despite a history of similar power issues, the vessel's crew failed to rectify the problems prior to departure and neglected to inform the pilots who were supposed to guide the ship.
In a significant legal move, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has filed a lawsuit against Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., the owners and managers of the M/V Dali, following a tragic incident that led to the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024. The lawsuit seeks accountability for the damages inflicted on Maryland and its residents as a result of this disaster.
On that fateful morning, the Dali crashed into the iconic bridge, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuring two others. The wreckage not only plunged into the Patapsco River but also blocked access to a significant portion of the Port of Baltimore, causing widespread disruptions that will echo for years to come.
The investigation revealed that moments before the allision, the Dali suffered two electrical failures, which disabled its propulsion and steering capabilities. Despite a history of similar power issues, the vessel's crew failed to rectify the problems prior to departure and neglected to inform the pilots who were supposed to guide the ship. This negligence stemmed from ongoing vibration problems that had been inadequately addressed, leading to loose connections and a catastrophic loss of power.
“For the past six months, and into the foreseeable future, Marylanders have had and will continue to shoulder the costs and burden caused by the misconduct of Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd. We have grieved the loss of six lives and mourned alongside their families. We have endured increased traffic and altered work commutes, degrading even the quality of the air we breathe. Our state has lost valuable tax and toll revenues, and Maryland’s economy has been disrupted,” said Attorney General Brown. “Maryland will rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge, but Marylanders should not have to pay for the DALI owner’s and manager’s negligence and incompetence.”
Further compounding the situation, critical safety features intended to restore power automatically were deliberately bypassed by the crew. Even after briefly restoring power, the ship lost it again due to a reckless reconfiguration of the fuel supply.
The repercussions of this incident have been far-reaching, causing significant economic disruptions as the blocked port remained inaccessible for nearly two months. Additionally, the allision resulted in the release of pollutants into the Patapsco River, harming local air quality and disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities already facing health and economic challenges.
Maryland’s lawsuit seeks not only punitive damages but also compensation for the replacement of the bridge, emergency response costs, lost revenues, and damages to natural resources due to environmental contamination. The state is determined to recover the extensive financial losses incurred from the Dali’s negligence.
With the lawsuit filed today, in addition to punitive damages, Maryland is asking the court to award damages to the State for:
Replacement of the bridge;
All costs associated with the emergency response, salvage, demolition, and benefits paid to affected workers and businesses;
Lost revenues, including tolls, fees, and taxes;
Indemnification, damages, and attorneys’ fees pursuant to the Tariff;
Damage to the State’s natural resources;
All costs related to environmental contamination and penalties;
Increased wear and tear on the State’s infrastructure; and
Other forms of economic loss flowing from the destruction of the bridge
In a separate but related request, the ship’s owners and managers are attempting to limit their liability to the value of the vessel itself, a sum that falls significantly short of the damages suffered by the state. Maryland is adamantly opposing this move, urging the court to hold Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine fully accountable.
Attorney General Brown expressed gratitude to his team, including Deputy Chief of Litigation Robert A. Scott, Senior Assistant Attorney General Howard Feldman, and several other legal advisors who have played a crucial role in this ongoing effort for justice.
As the state continues its investigation and prepares for litigation, the full extent of the damages will be outlined through expert testimony, emphasizing the need for accountability in this preventable tragedy.
“Marylanders rallied and moved in partnership to take bold action following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. But the presence of action doesn’t mean the absence of accountability. We can – and we will – pursue both at the same time,” said Gov. Moore. “We will continue to work together to come back from this historic catastrophe, rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and make Marylanders whole.”
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