Baltimore Longshoremen Sue Ship Owner Over Bridge Collapse

Attorney William Murphy speaks during a press conference announcing a class action claim against the owners of the Dali, the cargo ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, seeking damages

A group of Baltimore longshoremen has filed a class action lawsuit against the owner and manager of the ship responsible for the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The longshoremen are seeking compensation for lost wages during the port closure that followed the tragic incident.

The lawsuit alleges that the ship's owner, Grace Ocean Private Ltd., and manager, Synergy Marine Group, knowingly sent an unseaworthy vessel into U.S. waters, resulting in the collapse that claimed the lives of six construction workers.

The collapse halted maritime traffic through Baltimore's port for months, causing many longshoremen to be out of work during the initial cleanup efforts. The port fully reopened in June, but shipping traffic has not yet returned to pre-disaster levels, impacting the incomes of the longshoremen who rely on cargo vessels for work.

Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and Synergy Marine Group accused of sending unseaworthy vessel.

Longshoremen file class action lawsuit over Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

Port closure led to lost wages for longshoremen during cleanup.

Lawsuit seeks compensation for lost wages and punitive damages.

U.S. Department of Justice complaint details ship failures leading to collapse.

FBI involved in criminal investigation into collapse circumstances.

Steering failure due to power blackouts caused the tragic incident.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of approximately 2,200 members of the International Longshoremen's Association union, aims to recover lost wages and punitive damages for the affected workers.

A recent complaint by the U.S. Department of Justice detailed the series of failures on the ship, named Dali, that led to the disaster. Allegations include mechanical and electrical system malfunctions and improper maintenance, culminating in a power outage as the ship approached the bridge.

The ship's owner and manager have expressed their intention to defend themselves in court against the allegations. FBI agents have been involved in a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse, boarding the Dali and another ship managed by Synergy.

The collapse occurred as the Dali was leaving Baltimore for Sri Lanka, with a steering failure due to power blackouts leading to the tragic incident. Recent court filings suggest that a loose electrical connection, damaged by vibrations on the ship, likely caused the blackout.

Entities including Baltimore's mayor, city council, families of the victims, local businesses, and insurance companies have filed claims related to the collapse, which have been consolidated into a complex liability case.