Federal authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the catastrophic collision involving the cargo ship Dali and Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge last month, which resulted in the tragic loss of six lives and the disruption of a major global shipping route. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Coast Guard are at the forefront of this inquiry to determine potential failures in reporting prior mechanical issues with the vessel that may have contributed to the disaster.
The incident, which occurred early on March 26, not only claimed lives but also severely impacted the local economy. An estimated 30,000 Marylanders relied daily on the Key Bridge. The 985-foot, Singapore-flagged ship lost power while exiting the Port of Baltimore, leading to its collision with the bridge during repair operations.
“The FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity,” confirmed a spokesperson for the agency. The investigation seeks to uncover whether the crew was aware of the ship’s technical difficulties before setting sail, a critical factor that could escalate the severity of legal repercussions.
Simultaneously, the city of Baltimore is actively seeking accountability. Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the engagement of prominent law firms DiCello Levitt and Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky Trial Lawyers to represent the city and its residents in pursuing justice. “We will take decisive action to hold all entities accountable for the Key Bridge tragedy,” Mayor Scott asserted, emphasizing a vigorous legal response to protect and compensate the affected community.
In the wake of the disaster, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also conducting a detailed investigation focused on the ship’s engine room equipment to ascertain the precise cause of the power failure. This inquiry runs parallel to the criminal probe, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the investigations surrounding this incident.
“Whether it’s gun violence, civil rights abuse, financial fraud, or any other threat to public safety or property, we will seek accountability for anyone who may be responsible,” stated Erek L. Barron, U.S. attorney for Maryland.
