After a fourth fatality was recovered from the collapsed bridge in Baltimore, the mayor has announced legal action. Now the FBI is also investigating the “Dali” case.
Rescue crews have recovered a vehicle with a fatality trapped inside at the scene of the accident. A total of six people are believed to have died in the collision of the container ship “Dali”. [ds_preview]
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced that the city would take legal action against those involved in the accident. Two law firms are reportedly already involved. The collision not only caused fatalities, but also led to considerable economic difficulties for companies in the port and for the city itself.
Baltimore hires lawyers
“We will hold all parties responsible for the Key Bridge tragedy accountable, including the owner, charterer, manager/operator and manufacturer of the ‘Dali’ as well as any other potentially liable third parties,” Scott said in a statement.
These are, without being named, the owner Grace Ocean, the ship manager Synergy Marine, the charterer Maersk, but also the shipyard Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).
As the shipowner declared “general average” just a few days after the incident, “we must act just as quickly to protect the interests of the city”, said Mayor Scott.
FBI investigating the “Dali” disaster
In the meantime, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also become involved in the criminal investigation. According to media reports, the question is whether the crew of the freighter already knew about “serious problems” on board when the ship set sail.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge at the entrance to the port of Baltimore collapsed on 26 March after a bridge pier was rammed by the departing “Dali”. Presumably, there was a total power failure on board the container ship shortly before the collision, affecting all ship systems including the propulsion and rudder.
