Owner of ship that crashed into Baltimore bridge faces potential lawsuits and invokes 1851 law

Legal Troubles for the Owner of the Ship that Crashed into Baltimore Bridge

A major maritime disaster occurred on Tuesday, causing the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland to collapse after being struck by the container ship Dali. The owner of the ship, Grace Ocean Private Ltd, is now facing a host of potential lawsuits, including wrongful death and property damage claims. The aftermath of this disaster is projected to cost insurers billions of dollars.

Invoking an Old Law

Experts predict that Grace Ocean Private Ltd will likely seek shelter under the 1851 Limitation of Liability Act, an old federal law that allows vessel owners to cap their liability at the post-incident value of the ship. This law was infamously used by the owner of the Titanic to limit their liability following the 1912 sinking.

Potential Savings and Hurdles

If successful, the ship's owners could limit their liability and potentially save billions of dollars. However, to be granted this limitation by a judge, the owner must prove they were not at fault and had no knowledge of negligence or conditions leading to the incident. The investigation into the disaster will play a crucial role in determining the success of their petition.

A Historical Precedent

The case of the Titanic serves as a precedent for invoking the 1851 law. After the sinking, the White Star Line managed to limit its liability successfully in the United States, despite facing substantial legal claims.

Expert Opinions

Legal experts are divided on the likelihood of the petition's success. While some believe it could provide a significant advantage in consolidating litigation into one court, others argue that given the circumstances of the incident, the petition may not be successful.

Past Legal History

Grace Ocean Private Ltd and its operator, Synergy Marine Group, have encountered legal action in the past decade, mainly related to worker injuries in the US federal court. The majority of cases were settled, while one was dismissed.

Statement from the Operator

"We deeply regret this incident and the problems it has caused for the people of Baltimore and the region's economy that relies on this vitally important port," the Synergy Marine Group spokesperson expressed in a press release.

As the investigation into the Dali ship disaster unfolds, the legal battle to limit the liability for the ship's owners is poised to be a lengthy and complex process, with substantial financial implications.