Federal officials announced on Tuesday that criminal charges have been filed against the Singaporean operator and a worker of the container ship that toppled Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge more than two years ago.
Federal prosecutors revealed that some tried to “conceal” information about what
The indictment, issued April 8, charges Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., of Singapore; Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd., of India; and technical superintendent Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, an Indian national, in the case.
Federal prosecutors revealed that some tried to “conceal” information about what really happened.
But one “trick” helped them find the truth.
Federal officials said the business inappropriately “modified” flushing pumps on
Both firms and Nair are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, deliberate neglect to promptly notify the U.S. Coast Guard of a known dangerous condition, obstruction of an official proceeding, and false statements.
Federal officials said the business inappropriately “modified” flushing pumps on the Dali container ship to deliver gasoline to two of the ship’s generators after the ship lost power the first time due to a loose cable.
Below is a startling image of the initial wreck:
“This indictment is a critical step toward holding accountable those whose
“The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was a preventable tragedy of enormous consequence,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
“This indictment is a critical step toward holding accountable those whose reckless disregard for maritime safety regulations caused this disaster,” Blanche added.
“Six construction workers lost their lives, critical infrastructure was destroyed, pollutants were released into the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay, and the economic damage now exceeds five billion dollars. This Department is committed to securing justice for the victims and ensuring those responsible are held to account,” Blanche continued.
The utilization of such flushing pumps is considered a violation of
“The indictment alleges that if the Dali had been using the proper fuel supply pumps, then the vessel would have regained power in time to safely navigate under the Key Bridge,” U. S. Attorney Kelly Hayes said in a press conference.
The utilization of such flushing pumps is considered a violation of international law, with authorities alleging the company’s operators – including Nair – “knew about the improper use of the flushing pump and the risks that it presented,” Hayes said.
“The indictment further alleges that after the crash, Nair falsely told the National Transportation Safety Board that he was unaware that the Dali was using the flushing pump,” Hayes added.
Maryland officials estimate it could cost between $4
“The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was a preventable tragedy of enormous consequence,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “This indictment is a critical step toward holding accountable those whose reckless disregard for maritime safety regulations caused this disaster.”
Maryland officials estimate it could cost between $4. 3 billion and $5. 2 billion to replace the bridge, which is set to reopen in late 2030.
“The indictment alleges criminal conduct that not only destroyed the Key Bridge but brought the regional economy to its knees and claimed the lives of six Maryland residents,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson.
“The indictment reveals a pattern of deception and egregious violations that led
“Adherence to laws governing safe operation of commercial vessels is essential to doing business in our nation’s ports. We enforce these laws to protect the public from future disasters like this fatal crash,” Gustafson added.
“The indictment reveals a pattern of deception and egregious violations that led to the unsafe operation of the Dali which recklessly endangered the public and resulted in the ship striking the bridge,” said Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul of the FBI Baltimore Field Office.
“This indictment should send a message to all ship operators that circumventing safety requirements and breaking U. S. laws will not be tolerated. I am proud of FBI Baltimore’s investigative teams who worked diligently over the last two years to find the truth and to hold those responsible accountable,” Paul added.
“Today’s indictment alleges that reckless cost-cutting by dishonest foreign
“The United States will not be a safe harbor for violators who pollute our nation’s waterways,” said Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall of EPA’s Office for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.
“Today’s indictment alleges that reckless cost-cutting by dishonest foreign corporations on a foreign-flagged vessel with a foreign crew carrying hazardous cargo resulted in death, disruption of our economy, and the discharge of oil and other chemicals into the Patapsco River and the Chesapeake Bay,” Hall added.
“Such tragedy must not happen again. This EPA will ensure that foreign companies do not profit off of polluting American communities,” Hall continued.
Hall concluded, “The hard work of our criminal investigators, who were among the first aboard the wrecked ship, was critical for securing this indictment, and we look forward to working with the Department of Justice to prosecute this case.”
