The recent Baltimore bridge collapse caused by the cargo ship has resulted in the owner and manager agreeing to pay over $102 million in cleanup costs. However, this settlement does not include any funds for rebuilding the bridge, which could potentially cost close to $2 billion. The state of Maryland has filed its own claim to seek damages for the reconstruction, among other things.
The Justice Department had previously sued the ship’s owner, Grace Ocean Private Ltd., and manager, Synergy Marine Group, both based in Singapore, to recover funds for the cleanup. The lawsuit alleged that the ship’s electrical and mechanical systems were not properly maintained, leading to a power loss and the eventual collision with a support column on the Francis Scott Key Bridge. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of six road crew workers who were filling potholes during an overnight shift.
Cleanup efforts were extensive, with crews working tirelessly to search for bodies and remove tons of debris from the river. The ship remained stuck for almost two months, causing disruptions to commercial shipping traffic through the Port of Baltimore. This incident also affected local longshoremen and East Coast shipping routes.
The settlement agreement between the parties ensures that the cleanup costs are covered by Grace Ocean and Synergy, rather than the American taxpayer. However, this is just one aspect of the legal proceedings surrounding the bridge collapse. There are still unresolved claims filed by victims’ families, affected businesses, and municipal entities, among others.
The Justice Department’s civil claim provided detailed information about the failures that led to the disaster, including excessive vibrations on the ship, cracked equipment in the engine room, and unsafe electrical equipment. The investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collapse is ongoing, with FBI agents boarding the ship in April as part of a criminal inquiry.
Overall, this tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and safety measures in the shipping industry. It also highlights the significant impact that such incidents can have on local communities and businesses. As the legal proceedings continue, the hope is that justice will be served for all those affected by the Baltimore bridge collapse.
