Key Bridge Collapse: Foreign Operators and Superintendent Indicted on Federal Charges

Two corporations and an individual have been criminally charged in connection with the March 26, 2024, collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. The charges, unsealed in a federal court, include conspiracy to defraud the United States and causing the deaths of six construction workers. The economic losses from the incident are estimated to be at least $5 billion.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, the indictment names Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., based in Singapore, and Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd., based in Chennai, India. Also charged is Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, 47, an Indian national who served as the Technical Superintendent for the vessel M/V Dali. These defendants face charges of conspiracy, willfully failing to immediately inform the U.S. Coast Guard of a known hazardous condition, obstruction of an agency proceeding, and making false statements. The two Synergy corporations are additionally charged with misdemeanor violations of the Clean Water Act, Oil Pollution Act, and Refuse Act for discharging pollutants into the Patapsco River.

The collapse of the bridge occurred when the M/V Dali, a foreign-flagged container vessel, lost power twice in quick succession as it departed the Port of Baltimore. The indictment alleges that a loose wire in a high-voltage switchboard likely caused the initial power loss. While the vessel’s critical systems were designed with redundancies to quickly regain power after a blackout, a subsequent power loss was attributed to an altered fuel supply configuration. The indictment claims that the defendants relied on a flushing pump for fuel to two of the Dali’s four generators. This pump, however, was not designed to automatically restart after a blackout, leading to a second, sustained power loss that resulted in the vessel striking the bridge. The indictment suggests that had the Dali used the proper fuel supply pumps, power would have been restored in time for the vessel to navigate safely under the bridge.

In addition to charges related to the collapse and loss of life, Synergy and Nair are accused of obstruction of an agency proceeding and providing false statements to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) during its investigation. These obstruction charges stem, in part, from Nair’s alleged statements to the NTSB denying knowledge that the Dali was using the flushing pump for fuel supply to the generators. The indictment asserts that this conduct resulted in the discharge of pollutants and debris into the Patapsco River.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office highlighted that the charges are a critical step in holding accountable those responsible for what they described as a preventable tragedy of enormous consequence. The actions alleged in the indictment underscore the importance of adhering to maritime safety regulations and U.S. laws, particularly for vessels operating in U.S. ports and waterways. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division.

The indictment represents the first step in the process of holding individuals and corporations accountable. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, the corporations could face significant fines and probation, while Nair could face substantial prison time for the various charges. The Maryland Attorney General’s Office has also reached a $2.25 billion settlement with Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd. to resolve state claims, though claims against the shipbuilder remain. The City of Baltimore has also emphasized that the federal criminal allegations reinforce its civil claims and argue against attempts by the defendants to limit their liability.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland.

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