Explore the legal saga unfolding in Baltimore as the city takes on the operators of the 'unseaworthy' Dali container ship following a tragic bridge collapse that claimed six lives. Allegations of negligence, unseaworthiness, and disputed liability paint a complex picture of the aftermath.

Baltimore Sues Owner and Manager of 'Unseaworthy' Dali Over Bridge Collapse

In a tragic incident that shook the city of Baltimore, a container ship named Dali collided with one of the main bridges in the US city, leading to its collapse and the loss of six lives. The aftermath of the disaster has left the region grappling with the closure of its busiest maritime transit port.

Allegations of Negligence and Unseaworthiness

Baltimore has taken legal action against the operators of the Dali, claiming that the ship was "clearly unseaworthy" at the time of the collision. The city accuses the Singapore-based owner and manager of the vessel of negligence, arguing that the bridge collapse was a direct consequence of their "gross negligence and recklessness".

Attorneys representing the Baltimore mayor and city council have filed a federal lawsuit, seeking a jury trial to hold the defendants fully accountable for the tragedy. The lawsuit names Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited as the parties responsible for the incident.

Legal Maneuvers and Disputed Liability

In response to the lawsuit, Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine have petitioned the federal court in Maryland to limit their liability under a maritime law dating back to pre-Civil War times. The companies have estimated their liability for the vessel and cargo's value at $43.6 million.

However, the city of Baltimore contests this figure, arguing that the actual losses and damages resulting from the collision far exceed the amount proposed by the defendants. The filing asserts that the Dali departed from port despite being in an unseaworthy condition, citing issues with its power supply and the incompetence of its crew.

Ongoing Investigations and Recovery Efforts

As the legal battle unfolds, investigations into the causes of the bridge collapse continue. Port officials have made efforts to restore maritime traffic by opening temporary channels, but the port's operations remain severely impacted. Plans are underway to open a new channel that can accommodate most of the pre-collapse commercial activity by the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the recovery efforts to retrieve the bodies of the construction workers who perished in the collapse are ongoing. The task of clearing debris from the water and the grounded Dali is still underway, with the ship's crew - predominantly of Indian origin - remaining onboard as operations progress.

Conclusion

The tragedy in Baltimore serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in maritime operations and the devastating consequences of negligence. While legal proceedings unfold and investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring accountability for the lives lost and the damages incurred. The city and its residents are left to grapple with the aftermath of the bridge collapse, seeking justice and closure amidst the ongoing recovery efforts.