By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
Federal prosecutors have filed criminal charges against the owner of the cargo ship Dali, exactly two years after the vessel struck Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a catastrophic collapse that killed six construction workers.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment on Tuesday, charging Singapore-based Grace Ocean Private Ltd., the registered owner of the Dali, with multiple counts related to negligence and failure to maintain seaworthiness.
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The charges stem from the March 26, 2024 incident in which the 984-foot container ship lost power and crashed into a support pier of the Key Bridge, sending large sections of the structure into the Patapsco River.
Six members of a road crew who were filling potholes on the bridge died in the collapse. The disaster shut down the Port of Baltimore for weeks and disrupted shipping along the East Coast for months, with total economic losses estimated in the billions.
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According to the indictment, prosecutors allege that the company knew of electrical and mechanical issues aboard the Dali before it left port but failed to address them. The filing cites “willful violations” of maritime safety regulations and claims that cost-cutting decisions contributed to the power failure that led to the crash.
“Today’s charges reflect our commitment to accountability for the tragic loss of life and the widespread damage caused by this preventable disaster,” U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron said. “Companies that put profits over safety will face consequences.”
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Grace Ocean has not publicly commented on the criminal charges. The company and ship operator Synergy Marine Group previously reached a civil settlement with the families of the victims and agreed to pay over $100 million in damages and recovery costs.
The Dali remained stuck under bridge debris for nearly two months before it was refloated and moved in May 2024. Construction of a new Key Bridge is currently underway and expected to open in 2028.
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The criminal case is set for an initial hearing in U.S. District Court in Baltimore next month. If convicted, the company faces significant fines and potential operational restrictions in U.S. waters.
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By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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