Nearly seven months after the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland collapsed when it was struck by a shipping vessel, the U.S. Justice Department has reached a settlement of over $100 million with the companies that owned and operated the vessel, the Dali. The companies, Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and Synergy Marine Private Ltd., have agreed to pay $101,980,000 to settle the civil claim brought by the U.S. for the costs incurred in responding to the collapse.
The U.S. claimed civil damages totaling over $103 million under various laws, and numerous outstanding civil claims remain, including one from the state of Maryland. The settlement does not include damages to rebuild the bridge, as Maryland owned and operated it.
The Dali collided with the Key Bridge in March, causing it to collapse and resulting in the deaths of six workers. The shipwreck obstructed the channel for months, halting shipping traffic and impacting local commuters. The U.S. led response efforts to remove debris and establish temporary channels to alleviate the economic impact.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton hailed the settlement as holding the Dali’s owner and operator accountable and avoiding prolonged litigation. The Justice Department praised the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local agencies in responding to the disaster.
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