In a legal filing on Monday, the City of Baltimore argued that the companies responsible for the cargo ship that caused the destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last month were negligent and should be held legally liable for the disaster. This comes in response to the Singapore-based firms' previous filing, in which they denied any fault and requested a limit on their liability.

The bridge collapse on March 26 resulted in the tragic death of six construction workers. The companies, Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine, had sought to limit their liability to approximately $43.7 million, which was the estimated value of the vessel and its cargo at the time, minus damages and repair costs.

However, the City of Baltimore, represented by lawyers for Mayor Brandon Scott and the City Council, strongly opposed this limit. They argued that the companies should be held accountable for any damages that may be awarded in a future jury trial.

The city's legal team accused Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine of gross negligence, carelessness, and recklessness, and emphasized the unseaworthiness of the vessel as a direct and proximate cause of the crash. They stated that the companies should not be granted a limit on their liability.

Highlighting the impact of the disaster, the city's attorneys stressed that the Key Bridge's destruction had not only caused loss of life but had also disrupted the operations of the Port of Baltimore, which is a crucial source of jobs, revenue, and pride for the city and its residents.

The legal filing further revealed alarming details regarding the ship's condition before the accident occurred. The Dali, owned by Grace Ocean and managed by Synergy Marine, reportedly left port in an unseaworthy condition, as alarms had sounded on some of its refrigerated containers, indicating potential electrical problems before it set sail.

Moreover, the city alleged that the crew assigned to the vessel lacked competence and training, further exacerbating the ship's unpreparedness for the voyage.

The devastating consequences of the bridge collapse are expected to be long-lasting, affecting not only the city but also the families of the victims. The city's lawyers emphasized the immense impact of the disaster and the need for the negligent companies to be held accountable.

In response to the filing, a representative for Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine stated that they would refrain from commenting further at this time due to ongoing investigations and future legal proceedings.

As the legal battle unfolds, the City of Baltimore and its residents hope for a just outcome that will address the damages caused by the negligence of the companies involved, while emphasizing the importance of safety and accountability in maritime operations.