In a determined effort to seek justice, the city of Baltimore has taken legal action against Grace Ocean Private, the company that owns the container ship Dali, for attempting to limit its liability in paying for damages caused by the vessel's collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The incident, which occurred on March 30, 2024, has sparked allegations of gross negligence and possible criminal activity.

On April 15, Baltimore announced the hiring of trial firm DiCello Levitt and Philadelphia law firm Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky Trial Lawyers, signaling its intent to "hold the wrongdoers responsible and mitigate the immediate and long-term harm caused to Baltimore City residents."

In response to Grace Ocean's bid to cap its liability at $43.7 million, which was filed in early April, Baltimore filed a motion in the U.S. District Court of Maryland to dismiss the request. The city argues that the vessel's actions were grossly negligent and is demanding payment for the replacement of the bridge, costs associated with obstructing the river, loss of tax revenue, cleanup expenses, and compensation for the nuisance suffered by Baltimore residents.

The Limitation of Liability Act of 1851, invoked by the ship owners, allows for reducing exposure in certain circumstances. However, Baltimore must now prove that the vessel was unseaworthy or that neglect was present in order to challenge the limitation. The city's filing accuses Grace Ocean of providing an incompetent crew, using unseaworthy equipment, and failing to maintain the vessel properly.

Lawyers representing Baltimore highlighted the historical safety record of the Port of Baltimore, emphasizing that cargo ships had been navigating under the Key Bridge for over four decades without incident. They contend that nothing about the events of March 26, 2024, should have precipitated the collision, and accuse Grace Ocean and its co-petitioner, ship manager Synergy Marine Group, of recklessness for deploying an unseaworthy vessel.

Multiple investigations are currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Coast Guard are conducting their own probes, while the recent FBI raid on the Dali suggests the agency may be launching a criminal investigation of its own.

As these legal proceedings unfold, the city of Baltimore remains steadfast in its resolve to secure justice, accountability, and fair compensation for the damages caused by the collision.