By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer, msayles@afro.com
American Publishing has filed a class action lawsuit against the owner and manager of the Dali cargo ship, which struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26 causing it to collapse. The disaster marked the loss of a major throughway for truckers and the partial closure of the Port of Baltimore, the nation’s leading port for auto shipments.
Plaintiffs Karen and Charles Austin allege that their business has experienced significant revenue losses since the bridge collapse, according to the complaint. They claim their income declined 84 percent compared to this time last year.
“The losses incurred by Claimants were a foreseeable consequence of the Petitioners’ negligence, given their failure to ensure the seaworthiness of the vessel that ultimately led to the bridge’s destruction. Consequently, the destruction wrought by the Petitioners has significantly impaired Claimants’ proprietary interests, with considerable financial losses that are expected to persist,” reads the complaint.
“Essentially, the negligence of the Petitioners not only led to the physical destruction of the Key Bridge but also precipitated a broader economic shutdown in Baltimore, severely affecting local business owners like Claimants.”
Grace Ocean Private Limited owns the Dali, and Synergy Marine Group manages the ship. On April 1, the companies filed a petition in a Maryland District Court to limit their liability for the accident. Since then, the city of Baltimore filed suit against the companies on April 22, alleging that alarms on the ship indicated an unreliable power supply before the ships’ port departure.
The Austins are seeking relief on behalf of other Baltimore businesses that have encountered financial deficits since the catastrophe.
Megan Sayles is a Reporter for America corps member.
