A Bill has been introduced in the US House of Representatives aimed at holding the owners of the MV Dali container ship accountable for the catastrophic damage caused when the vessel allided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
The legislation proposes that the owners pay approximately ten times the estimated damages resulting from the incident, which tragically claimed the lives of six construction workers.
The collision between the vessel and the last major logistical link across the confluence of the Patapsco River with Chesapeake Bay, occurred on March 26 when the Dali, a 947-foot Singapore-flagged cargo ship, lost electrical power and struck a supporting pier of the continuous truss bridge.
The allision led to a significant portion of the bridge collapsing into the water, causing extensive disruption to maritime operations and local traffic.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the incident, which has been classified as a major marine casualty due to the severe loss of life and property damage.
The Dali has since been moved from the collision site after undergoing repairs.
The vessel, which was trapped under the wreckage for nearly two months, was successfully refloated and escorted back to a Virginia marine terminal in early May.
The ship's crew, comprising 20 individuals from India and one from Sri Lanka, had been stranded on board due to visa issues and ongoing investigations.
The proposed Bill reflects growing frustration over the incident and aims to ensure that the owners of the Dali, Grace Ocean Private Limited, are held financially responsible for the damages.
This comes at a crucial time, as the vessel, bound for China, prepares to leave the shipping yard, highlighting the urgency of addressing of the disaster’s repercussions.
As investigations continue, the NTSB is evaluating the ship's electrical systems and operational protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Bill's introduction signifies a critical step towards accountability and the restoration of trust in maritime safety regulations.
