Justice Department Sues Ship Owner, Operator Over Baltimore Bridge

story
Above: The container ship Dali is seen in the wreckage of Francis Scott Key Bridge April 1, 2024, almost a week after it hit a structural pier causing a subsequent bridge collapse. Image copyright: Baltimore Sun/Contributor/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

The Facts

  • The US Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the owner and operator of the cargo ship involved in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

  • The civil case seeks more than $100M in costs related to clearing the wreckage and reopening the Port of Baltimore, as well as punitive damages to hold the companies accountable for the disaster.

Show more

The Spin

Narrative A

This tragedy was completely avoidable, and the companies responsible for it must be held accountable. Six people tragically lost their lives, and a major American port experienced a great deal of interference for several months due to the negligence of these business owners. The irresponsible decision to let a questionably sea worthy vessel with a poorly trained crew continue to sail threatened both lives and infrastructure.

Associated Press

Narrative B

This was a tragic accident caused by multiple factors and blame cannot be solely placed on the owner and operator of one ship. The bridge lacked many structural supports that could have prevented a collapse, while the ship had passed previous inspections. Additionally, there was no back up steering, such as a tug boat escort, to help the ship out of the harbor when it lost power. Scrutiny must be broadened to other elements surrounding this disaster.

Boston University

Metaculus Prediction