Six months after the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, the families of the six workers who lost their lives have taken legal action. On September 15, 2024, they filed lawsuits against Grace Ocean Pte Ltd and Synergy Marine Group, the owner and operator of the cargo ship that struck the bridge.
The lawsuits, filed in Maryland federal court, seek unspecified damages for the deaths of Carlos Daniel Hernandez Estrella, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Miguel Angel Luna, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Yasir Suazo Sandoval, and Jose Mynor Lopez. The families allege that the companies negligently allowed the ship to depart Baltimore despite known mechanical issues.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, named after the author of "The Star-Spangled Banner", was a 1.6-mile-long steel arch bridge that opened in 1977. It was a crucial part of Interstate 695, known as the Baltimore Beltway, and served as a major transportation link for the Port of Baltimore, one of the largest ports on the U.S. East Coast.
In a separate lawsuit, Julio Cervantes Suarez, a survivor of the collapse, is also seeking damages for injuries sustained when his truck fell into the Patapsco River during the incident.
Darrell Wilson, a spokesperson for the companies, stated:
"We do look forward to our day in court to set the record straight."
[[Company Response]]
The legal actions come in the wake of a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit filed on September 13, 2024, which accuses the companies of willfully ignoring or mishandling mechanical problems on the ship. The government is seeking at least $100 million to cover the costs of disaster response and clearing the wreckage to reopen the Port of Baltimore in June 2024.
The incident occurred in the early morning of March 26, 2024, when the container ship Dali lost power and crashed into a support pylon of the bridge. The collapse had significant economic implications for the region, as the Port of Baltimore handles over 10 million tons of cargo annually and is crucial for global trade.
Container ships like the Dali can be up to 1,200 feet long and carry over 20,000 containers, highlighting the massive scale of these vessels and the potential risks they pose in maritime accidents.
In an attempt to limit their liability, Grace Ocean and Synergy filed a petition on April 1, 2024, estimating the value of the ship and its cargo at just over $43 million. This move is based on complex maritime law rules, with the concept of limiting liability dating back to the 18th century.
Craig Sico, an attorney representing one of the victims' families, stated:
"It's our belief that the crew of the Dali could foresee this incident taking place."
[[Attorney Statement]]
The employer of the deceased workers, Brawner Builders, has also filed a lawsuit against Grace Ocean and Synergy, seeking damages for the loss of their employees and construction equipment.
As the September 24, 2024 deadline for claimants approaches, the legal battle surrounding this tragic event continues to unfold, highlighting the complex interplay of maritime law, safety regulations, and the human cost of such disasters.