Federal agents boarded the Maersk Saltoro, a vessel managed by Synergy Marine Group, the same company responsible for the cargo ship that caused the deadly Baltimore bridge collapse. The FBI, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, and Coast Guard Investigative Services were present aboard the ship, conducting law enforcement activities. This raid came months after a similar search on the Dali, the cargo ship involved in the bridge collapse.
A lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department alleged that the Dali owner Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and manager Synergy Marine recklessly ignored known electrical problems and cut corners on the vessel. This led to power outages minutes before the crash into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March, resulting in the deaths of six crew members. The Justice Department is seeking to recover over $100 million spent on clearing underwater debris and reopening the port, stating that vessel owners and operators need to be deterred from engaging in reckless behavior.
Grace Ocean and Synergy filed a court petition seeking to limit their legal liability, which the Justice Department has promised to contest. The lawsuit also seeks punitive damages, arguing that the companies need to be deterred from operating vessels in U.S. waters. The Maersk Saltoro, a sister ship to the Dali, was boarded in the Port of Baltimore by FBI and Coast Guard officials in connection to the ongoing investigation.
The Dali and Saltoro, both built by Hyundai in 2015, faced major issues with their electrical systems. Excessive vibrations on the ships caused loose wires and damaged connections, leading to power outages and other failures. Reportable marine casualties, including blackouts while docked in Baltimore, were not reported to the U.S. Coast Guard as required. The Dali, which was stuck amid the wreckage of the bridge collapse for months, recently departed Norfolk, Virginia, on its first international voyage since the disaster.
The Justice Department’s lawsuit highlights the poor condition of the Dali’s electrical equipment, cracked engine room equipment, and loose cargo. Despite earlier reports of heavy vibrations and concerns about the electrical system, proper maintenance and repairs were not conducted. The lawsuit aims to hold Grace Ocean and Synergy accountable for their actions and prevent similar incidents in the future. FBI agents boarded the Dali in April and continue to investigate the bridge collapse.
The ongoing investigation into the Baltimore bridge collapse involves multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, EPA, and Coast Guard. The search of the Maersk Saltoro and previous search of the Dali are part of efforts to gather evidence and determine the cause of the disaster. The Justice Department’s lawsuit against Grace Ocean and Synergy seeks to recover damages and hold the companies responsible for the deadly consequences of their actions. The importance of maintaining and operating vessels safely in U.S. waters is emphasized, with efforts to deter reckless behavior in the maritime industry.
