DOJ sues cargo ship owner over Baltimore bridge crash in March

In March, a significant incident occurred when a cargo ship named Dali, owned by Grace Ocean Private Limited, lost power and collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. This catastrophic event led to a partial collapse of the bridge, resulting in the tragic deaths of six construction workers who were present at the time. The incident raised serious concerns regarding maritime safety and the operational protocols of cargo vessels. Following the crash, the Department of Justice (DOJ) took legal action against the shipowner, filing a civil claim in the U.S. District Court of Maryland. The lawsuit seeks over $100 million in damages, aimed at recovering costs incurred by the federal government in response to the disaster. The DOJ's attorneys emphasized that the tragedy was entirely preventable, highlighting potential negligence on the part of the shipowner. The legal proceedings are expected to draw attention to the responsibilities of cargo ship operators and the importance of maintaining vessel power systems to prevent such accidents. The case may also prompt discussions about regulatory measures and safety standards in the maritime industry to ensure the protection of workers and infrastructure. As the situation develops, the implications of this lawsuit could have far-reaching effects on maritime operations and liability laws. The outcome may influence future policies regarding ship maintenance and operational safety, ultimately aiming to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.