Charges Filed in Fatal Maryland Bridge Collision
BALTIMORE — The Department of Justice has announced 18 charges against the operator of a cargo ship that collided with a Maryland bridge more than two years ago, resulting in the sinking of the vessel and the deaths of six individuals.
Conspiracy Charges Against Marine Companies and Supervisor
Federal prosecutors have brought conspiracy charges against Synergy Marine and Synergy Maritime, two international companies, as well as Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, a marine engineering supervisor. They are accused of knowingly failing to promptly notify the U.S. Coast Guard about dangerous conditions, obstructing government processes, and making false statements.
Environmental Violations Linked to the Unfortunate Incident
The companies face misdemeanor violations under the Clean Water Act, Oil Pollution Act, and Waste Act. These violations relate to the discharge of various pollutants into Maryland’s Patapsco River, including shipping containers, their contents, and oil, along with debris from the bridge itself.
Timeline of the Dolphin Incident
The 900-foot ship, Dali, crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge early on March 26, 2024, following two power outages experienced by the crew during repairs on the vessel.
Tragic Aftermath of the Collision
The incident resulted in the tragic death of six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time of the collapse. Another worker fell into the river but survived with serious injuries. In contrast, an inspector working as a subcontractor for the Maryland Department of Transportation managed to escape without injury. The ship’s roughly 20-member crew, as well as the two pilots assisting with navigation, also survived the incident.
Significant Economic and Infrastructure Impact
The bridge collapse halted operations at the critical Port of Baltimore for two months. Reconstruction efforts are currently underway as the region grapples with both the human and economic toll of the disaster.
Justice for Victims and Accountability for Recklessness
“The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was an avoidable tragedy with serious consequences,” stated Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. He emphasized that the indictment seeks to hold accountable those whose negligence led to the disaster, which claimed six lives, destroyed vital infrastructure, and resulted in environmental pollution, costing the economy over $5 billion.
Company Profiles and Leadership
Prosecutors detail that Synergy Marine Pte Ltd is headquartered in Singapore, while Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd is based in Chennai, India. Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, 47, an Indian national, served as the technical director for both companies.
