Cargo ship that crashed into bridge leaves Baltimore months later
PBS NewsHourJun 22
Justice Department Sues Ship Owner, Operator Over Baltimore Bridge
Above: The container ship Dali is seen in the wreckage of Francis Scott Key Bridge April 1, 2024, almost a week after it hit a structural pier causing a subsequent bridge collapse. Image copyright: Baltimore Sun/Contributor/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The Facts
The US Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the owner and operator of the cargo ship involved in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
The civil case seeks more than $100M in costs related to clearing the wreckage and reopening the Port of Baltimore, as well as punitive damages to hold the companies accountable for the disaster.
The Spin
Narrative A
This tragedy was completely avoidable, and the companies responsible for it must be held accountable. Six people tragically lost their lives, and a major American port experienced a great deal of interference for several months due to the negligence of these business owners. The irresponsible decision to let a questionably sea worthy vessel with a poorly trained crew continue to sail threatened both lives and infrastructure.
Narrative B
This was a tragic accident caused by multiple factors and blame cannot be solely placed on the owner and operator of one ship. The bridge lacked many structural supports that could have prevented a collapse, while the ship had passed previous inspections. Additionally, there was no back up steering, such as a tug boat escort, to help the ship out of the harbor when it lost power. Scrutiny must be broadened to other elements surrounding this disaster.