Baltimore has filed a lawsuit against the owner and operator of the container ship that decimated the iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge. The Singaporean owner, Grace Ocean Pte Ltd., and manager, Synergy Marine Group, are being held fully liable via a jury trial.
The incident occurred on March 26 when the ship lost power and hit a bridge pylon, collapsing the entire structure and plunging several workers into the icy depths of the Patapsco River. Two of the workers were rescued, while two more are still missing and presumed dead.
The plaintiffs allege that the ship was experiencing an inconsistent power supply as it left port that night, making the decision to set sail criminally negligent. The destruction of the bridge has caused significant economic losses for the city, as it was a mainstay in the regional and national economy.
The suit also claims that crew members were incompetent and lax in carrying out their duties. The defendants have already filed legal documents to try and limit their liability or limit any damages to the value of the ship and its estimated revenue, which would amount to about $44 million.
