Marine Motor Yacht Sales Files Lawsuit Over Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Marine Motor Yacht Sales joins the legal fray against Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine following the Baltimore bridge collapse, seeking compensation for business disruptions.

At a Glance

Marine Motor Yacht Sales has sued Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine over the Baltimore bridge collapse.
The company claims significant financial losses due to port closure and shipping delays.
U.S. Justice Department recently filed a separate $100 million lawsuit for cleanup and recovery costs
Maryland state also sued, seeking compensation for bridge replacement and related damages.
Multiple lawsuits allege negligence and failure to maintain the Dali’s electrical systems.

Latest Lawsuit Targets Ship’s Owners and Managers

Marine Motor Yacht Sales, an Australian yacht broker, has filed a lawsuit in Maryland federal court against Grace Ocean Private Ltd and Synergy Marine PTE Ltd, the owner and management company of the cargo ship Dali. The suit stems from the March 26 incident where the Dali crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing its collapse and the deaths of six construction workers.

The Australian company specializes in transporting vessels from Maine to Baltimore for shipment to clients in Australia and New Zealand. Due to the port’s closure following the bridge collapse, Marine Motor Yacht Sales claims to have incurred substantial financial losses, including additional costs for delays and customs procedures in Australia.

Wider Impact and Government Action

The Baltimore bridge collapse has had far-reaching consequences beyond individual businesses. The U.S. Justice Department recently filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $100 million from Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited to recover costs associated with debris removal and port reopening efforts.

“With this civil claim, the Justice Department is working to ensure that the costs of clearing the channel and reopening the Port of Baltimore are borne by the companies that caused the crash, not by the American taxpayer,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a written statement earlier this month.

The incident resulted in the suspension of all shipping in and out of Baltimore harbor until June, causing significant economic disruption. The U.S. government led a large-scale response to remove approximately 50,000 tons of debris from the channel and the ship.

Allegations of Negligence and Mechanical Issues

Central to the companies’ woes are claims that the Dali had a history of mechanical problems, particularly with its electrical systems. The Justice Department’s lawsuit alleges that the ship’s owner and operator were aware of vibration issues that could cause a power outage but failed to take necessary precautions.

“This accident happened because of the careless and grossly negligent decisions made by Grace Ocean and Synergy, who recklessly chose to send an unseaworthy vessel to navigate a critical waterway and ignored the risks to American lives and the nation’s infrastructure,” said Chetan Patil, the acting deputy assistant attorney general.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has also filed a lawsuit against Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd. The state’s legal action seeks punitive damages and compensation for various costs, including bridge replacement, emergency response, lost revenues, and environmental contamination.

Ongoing Investigations and Future Implications

As the legal battles unfold, federal agencies continue to investigate the incident. The FBI, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, and Coast Guard Investigative Services recently boarded another vessel managed by Synergy Marine Group, indicating the scope of the ongoing probe.

The multiple lawsuits and investigations underscore the serious consequences of the Baltimore bridge collapse. As the legal process moves forward, it may set important precedents for maritime safety, infrastructure protection, and corporate accountability in the shipping industry.