DOJ files $100 million lawsuit against shipowner over Baltimore bridge collision

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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a $100 million lawsuit against Grace Ocean Private Limited, the owner of the cargo ship involved in a collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in March. The incident, which occurred when the ship Dali lost power, caused part of the bridge to collapse and resulted in the deaths of six construction workers.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, seeks to recover costs incurred by the federal government during the response to the incident. This included the removal of over 50,000 tons of debris and reopening the Port of Baltimore, which had been closed for weeks following the crash.

Synergy Marine Private Limited, the operator of the ship, is also named in the lawsuit. The DOJ alleges that both companies failed to properly maintain the ship, leading to the power failure that caused the crash. The lawsuit seeks damages and punitive measures. Separate lawsuits from the families of the victims are also expected.