Marine Motor Yacht Sales seeks financial redress following the catastrophic collision of the Dali cargo ship with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.
At a Glance
- The incident occurred on March 26, 2023.
- Marine Motor Yacht Sales joins a class-action lawsuit for incurred financial losses.
- Numerous lawsuits filed against Grace Ocean Private Ltd and Synergy Marine PTE Ltd.
- The Dali’s electrical failure led to the fatal accident.
Lawsuit Filed by Marine Motor Yacht Sales
Marine Motor Yacht Sales, a reputable Baltimore yacht brokerage, has filed a lawsuit against Grace Ocean Private Ltd and Synergy Marine PTE Ltd. The litigation arose after the cargo ship ‘Dali’ collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. This disaster caused six worker fatalities and led to the suspension of maritime traffic, affecting the brokerage’s operations significantly.
The brokerage incurred hefty costs storing a $1 million yacht destined for Australia, severely straining their finances. Now, they hope to secure financial compensation through this legal action, joining other impacted businesses, including American Publishing.
Core Issues Behind the Incident
The incident stems from a series of mechanical failures on the Dali cargo ship. The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report highlighted that the vessel had lost electrical power four times in less than 12 hours before the accident. This serious mechanical problem compromised the ship’s operation at a critical moment, ultimately causing the collision and the bridge’s collapse.
Grace Ocean Private Ltd and Synergy Marine PTE Ltd are now facing multiple lawsuits from different parties. The city of Baltimore, local businesses, and families of the deceased workers all accuse the shipping firms of negligence and claim the ship was unseaworthy.
Broader Legal and Financial Implications
Besides private litigations, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed a substantial $100 million lawsuit against the shipowners. They charge that the catastrophic event was due to the owners’ negligent and cost-cutting measures. The federal government aims to recover over $100 million in cleanup and emergency responses, including President Biden’s federal rebuilding effort.
https://www.risk-strategies.com/blog/the-baltimore-bridge-collapse-who-is-liable-insurance-payout
“The Justice Department is committed to ensuring accountability for those responsible for the destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which resulted in the tragic deaths of six people and disrupted our country’s transportation and defense infrastructure,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated.
Under current maritime law, economic damages may not be fully recoverable, posing significant challenges to businesses like Marine Motor Yacht Sales. Efforts to address ports’ operational disruptions and repair critical supply chains are ongoing.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Outlook
The FBI’s criminal investigation centers on whether the crew was aware of the ship’s pre-existing issues before setting sail. The shipowners’ attempts to limit liability to $43 million under the Limitation of Liability Act of 1851 are under scrutiny.
“The owner and operator of the DALI were well aware of vibration issues on the vessel that could cause a power outage. But instead of taking necessary precautions, they did the opposite,” declared Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer.
This complex legal battle underscores the broader tensions in maintaining and regulating critical infrastructure while holding negligent parties accountable.
