Federal Charges Filed Against Dali Ship Operator in Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Key Details Federal prosecutors charged Singapore-based Synergy Marine and India-based Synergy Maritime, along with technical superintendent Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, in connection with the March 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The Dali containership lost power twice within four minutes while departing the Port of Baltimore, resulting in the vessel striking the bridge and killing six construction workers. What Went Wrong Investigators determined a loose wire in the ship's switchboard caused the initial power loss. According to the indictment, had operators used proper fuel supply pumps, the vessel would have regained power in time to safely pass under the bridge. Instead, the ship's steering failed and it collided with a support column. Why It Matters The charges allege the companies and crew "deliberately cut corners at the expense of safety." Defendants face conspiracy charges, failing to report hazardous conditions to the Coast Guard, obstruction of agency proceedings, and false statements. The Synergy companies also face misdemeanor charges for releasing pollutants into the Patapsco River, including shipping containers. Next Steps The FBI's investigation focused on whether crew members knew about critical system failures before departure. The National Transportation Safety Board had previously identified electrical blackouts as the root cause of the steering failure that led to the preventable tragedy.