Ship Operators and Superintendent Indicted in 2024 Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Federal prosecutors have indicted two international shipping companies and a technical superintendent in connection with the 2024 collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, which resulted in six fatalities and significant economic damage. The companies, Synergy Marine Pte Ltd. of Singapore and Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd. of Chennai, India, along with 47-year-old Indian national Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, who served as the technical superintendent for the cargo ship Dali, face multiple charges including conspiracy, obstruction, and misconduct resulting in death.

The indictment alleges that on March 26, 2024, the Dali experienced two power outages within four minutes while departing the Port of Baltimore. These outages led to the vessel colliding with a support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing its collapse and the deaths of six construction workers who were repairing potholes on the bridge at the time.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, "The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was a preventable tragedy of enormous consequence." He emphasized the commitment to holding those responsible accountable, noting that the economic damage from the incident exceeds five billion dollars.

The charges also include violations of environmental laws due to pollutants discharged into the Patapsco River as a result of the collapse. The indictment further alleges that the defendants failed to report hazardous conditions to the U.S. Coast Guard and provided false statements during the investigation.

Maryland officials estimate that replacing the bridge could cost between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion, with completion expected by late 2030. The collapse significantly disrupted shipping at the Port of Baltimore and had widespread economic repercussions throughout the state.

The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.