Maryland state officials have taken legal action against the owners and operators of the cargo ship, Dali, following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. The lawsuit, announced in a Tuesday news conference by Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Attorney General Anthony Brown, targets Singaporean companies Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte. Ltd. The state alleges that the companies failed to implement necessary precautions that could have prevented the bridge collapse, resulting in the loss of six lives and significant disruptions to the local economy.

In a statement, Governor Moore expressed that the events leading to the bridge collapse were entirely preventable and should never have occurred. The 56-page lawsuit filed in federal court outlines Maryland's intention to seek punitive damages and financial compensation to cover the damages incurred. Attorney General Brown highlighted that the state should not bear the financial burden of rebuilding the bridge due to the negligence and incompetence of the ship's owners and managers, which has led to substantial tax and toll revenue losses for Maryland.

The legal action taken by Maryland state officials follows a similar lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice against the owners and operators of the Dali. The federal claim, lodged in a Maryland court, asserts that reckless decisions and inadequate safety measures led to the fatal collision with the Baltimore bridge. Furthermore, the Justice Department is seeking over $100 million in costs incurred by the U.S. government for emergency response efforts and channel clearing following the bridge collapse. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized that responsibility for the financial fallout should lie with the companies at fault, rather than burdening American taxpayers.