Two years after the container ship Dali struck and collapsed Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed criminal charges against two companies and the vessel's technical superintendent. The charges allege conspiracy, willful failure to report hazards, and making false statements regarding the incident.
The Charges and Defendants
The criminal charges target:
- Synergy Marine Pte Ltd: A company based in Singapore.
- Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd: A company based in Chennai, India.
- Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair: The 47-year-old technical superintendent for the Dali, who worked for both implicated companies.
These charges include allegations of:
- Conspiracy.
- Willfully failing to immediately inform the Coast Guard of a known hazardous condition.
- Obstruction of an agency proceeding.
- Making false statements.
According to U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes, Synergy employees allegedly fabricated and directed the fabrication of safety inspections and certifications for the vessel's systems.
Investigation Findings and Allegations
The investigation, which included the FBI and U.S. Coast Guard, revealed several key points regarding the incident:
- Safety Lapses: Officials stated that the charges highlight that involved parties allegedly cut corners, compromising safety measures.
- False Documentation: Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul noted that the indictment shows Synergy and Nair repeatedly failed to document, investigate, or report significant safety risks aboard the Dali, including forging safety inspections.
- Power Failure: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) final report concluded that a wire label slipped, causing power outages on the Dali as it left Baltimore.
- Operational Failure: The NTSB report indicated that the ship subsequently careened into the bridge despite crew efforts to restore power. The indictment further alleges the defendants relied on a flushing pump to supply fuel to generators, leading to a second blackout.
Legal Proceedings
- Criminal Investigation: The FBI and U.S. Coast Guard opened a criminal investigation following the crash.
- Civil Litigation: A separate civil bench trial is scheduled for June 1, involving the ship’s owner and operator, as they seek to limit their liability. The city of Baltimore and others are involved in this civil action.
- Prior Settlements: The Department of Justice and the state of Maryland had previously reached settlement agreements with the owners and operators of the Dali.
