Feds demand $100m from Dali owners after deadly bridge crash

In March, the container ship Dali crashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in six fatalities and significant economic losses estimated at $15 million per day. The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the ship's owners and operators, alleging they were aware of existing mechanical issues before departure. These issues included problems with the ship's electrical and steering systems, which contributed to the loss of power leading to the crash. The lawsuit highlights multiple failures, such as a backup transformer that was slow to activate and an emergency generator that took too long to start. Additionally, the ship's anchor was not prepared for emergency release, violating legal requirements. Former crew members reported inadequate repairs to critical electrical components, likening the maintenance to a temporary fix rather than a proper solution. The suit seeks punitive damages and reimbursement for cleanup costs, excluding potential claims from the state of Maryland regarding the bridge's destruction. The ship's owners, Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, have expressed their anticipation of the lawsuit but have refrained from commenting on its merits. In April, the FBI initiated a criminal investigation into the incident, while the National Transportation Safety Board is conducting its own inquiry. Authorities aim to have the bridge reconstructed by 2028, underscoring the long-term impact of the disaster on the local infrastructure and economy.