$100 Million Settlement Reached Over Baltimore Bridge Disaster
Baltimore, Maryland — In the aftermath of a catastrophic collision that led to the destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the U.S. Justice Department has announced a significant $100 million settlement with the owner and operator of the cargo ship responsible for the disaster.
The incident, which occurred on the morning of March 26, 2024, involved the 1,000-foot M/V Dali, a cargo ship owned by Singapore-based Grace Ocean Private Limited and operated by Synergy Marine Private Limited. The collision tragically claimed the lives of six road workers and led to the blockage of a busy shipping channel vital to the port of Baltimore.
After months of intensive legal discussions, Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine agreed to a settlement of $101.1 million (approximately J$15.6 billion) to cover the costs associated with the federal government’s response and the removal of significant debris from the channel. This settlement marks a critical step in addressing the financial aftermath of one of the United States’ most significant transportation disasters in recent memory.
Benjamin Mizer, a senior Justice Department official, highlighted the importance of the settlement: "This resolution ensures that the costs of the federal government’s cleanup efforts in the Fort McHenry Channel are borne by Grace Ocean and Synergy and not the American taxpayer."
Despite this agreement, the settlement does not address the costs related to the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge itself. Responsibility for these expenses remains under a separate claim being pursued by the state of Maryland.
The disaster not only affected infrastructure but also had deep personal repercussions. The families of the six road workers who perished continue to seek justice and compensation through legal claims of their own.
The Fort McHenry channel, crucial for the auto industry’s operations at the port, reopened to commercial traffic on June 10, signifying a return to normalcy for the bustling shipping routes.
As the legal and reconstruction processes unfold, the settlement offers a semblance of closure, though the memory of the tragic event remains poignant for those affected.
Photo Caption: An aerial image capturing the aftermath of the incident where the steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge rests atop the M/V Dali, illustrating the scale of destruction in Baltimore. (Photo: AFP)
