"A federal grand jury has indicted two shipping companies and a technical superintendent on charges including conspiracy, obstruction, and making false statements related to the March 26, 2024, collision of the cargo ship Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge."
The Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Criminal Charges Filed
A federal grand jury has indicted two shipping companies and a technical superintendent on charges including conspiracy, obstruction, and making false statements related to the March 26, 2024, collision of the cargo ship Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. The incident resulted in the bridge's collapse and the deaths of six construction workers.
Overview of the Incident
On March 26, 2024, the 900-foot cargo ship Dali lost power twice before striking the Francis Scott Key Bridge while a work crew was repairing potholes. The collision caused the bridge to collapse, killing six highway workers and injuring one other. A Maryland Transportation Authority inspector escaped unharmed. The ship's crew and two pilots survived. Operations at the Port of Baltimore were halted for two months.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) final report concluded the crash was caused by a power outage due to a loose wire connection on the ship.
Charges and Allegations
The US Department of Justice announced 18 charges against Synergy Marine Pte Ltd. (Singapore), Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd. (Chennai, India), and technical superintendent Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair (47, Indian national).
The indictment alleges that the defendants:
- Engaged in a conspiracy to defraud the United States.
- Willfully failed to immediately inform the US Coast Guard of a known hazardous condition.
- Obstructed an agency proceeding.
- Made false statements to investigators.
- Committed misconduct or neglect of ship officers resulting in death.
Specifically, prosecutors allege that Synergy employees fabricated safety inspections and certifications, and that Nair lied about his knowledge of a flushing pump being used to supply fuel to generators. The indictment asserts that the ship's reliance on a non-automatic flushing pump caused a second blackout, preventing power restoration and leading to the collision.
Both corporations also face misdemeanor charges under the Clean Water Act, Oil Pollution Act, and Refuse Act related to pollutants discharged into the Patapsco River. The Dali was carrying 760 tons of hazardous materials.
Estimates of total economic damage from the collision exceed $5 billion.
Legal Proceedings
A bench trial in a separate civil case against the ship's owner and operator is scheduled for June 1, 2025. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown announced a $2.25 billion settlement between the state and the ship's owner (Grace Ocean Private Limited) and operator (Synergy Marine Pte Ltd.). The companies had previously filed a limitation of liability petition seeking to cap their liability at $43.6 million under an 1851 maritime law.
A civil case brought by victims' families, the city of Baltimore, and other parties is also scheduled for trial on June 1, 2025. The criminal indictment may affect the timing of that trial.
Law enforcement stated they will use available tools to bring Nair, who is believed to be in India, to the United States to face charges. Maryland will continue to pursue claims against the shipbuilder, Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Reactions
Synergy Marine issued a statement disputing the charges, noting that the NTSB did not find Synergy or its crew among the probable or contributing causes of the incident.
Rebuilding the bridge is estimated to cost $4-5 billion, with completion expected by 2030.