In a significant legal development, the families of five of the six men tragically killed when a cargo ship collided with the Key Bridge two years ago announced that they have reached settlements with the ship’s owner, Grace Ocean, and its operator, Synergy Marine.
This announcement precedes a scheduled civil trial in Baltimore federal court to establish the liability of the companies involved.
The victims, all immigrants from Latin America, were working on pothole repairs on the Key Bridge in the early hours of March 26, 2024, when the cargo vessel Dali, departing from the Port of Baltimore, experienced multiple power outages.
This led to the ship’s collision with the bridge, causing a section of the roadway to collapse into the Patapsco River. Among the workers, one was rescued from the river and has also settled.
L. Chris Stewart, representing the families of Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, José Maynor López, Miguel Luna, Carlos Daniel Hernandez Estrella, and Julio Cervantes, the rescued worker, expressed mixed emotions about the settlement, describing it as “bittersweet.”
Stewart emphasized the enduring loss experienced by the families who can no longer share life’s moments with their loved ones.
The settlements, first reported by The Baltimore Sun, remain confidential.
In a related development, the family of Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, another victim, has also settled with Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine, as confirmed by their attorney, Ama Frimpong. Frimpong acknowledged the importance of resolving legal claims but noted the persistent pain endured by the families.
The sixth victim was Maynor Yasir Suazo Sandoval, a 38-year-old Honduran national. Despite these settlements, the upcoming civil trial will proceed, as other plaintiffs, including the city of Baltimore and cargo owners, continue to pursue claims against the ship’s owner and operator.
The trial will determine whether a 1851 maritime disaster law limits companies’ liability. Should the judge rule against the liability cap, additional litigation could follow.
Earlier this month, Maryland’s attorney general announced a $2.25 billion settlement with the state, while the U.S. Department of Justice secured a $102 million settlement in October 2024.
Furthermore, federal prosecutors recently unveiled criminal charges against two Synergy Marine subsidiaries and a company official, accusing them of obstruction, fraud, and misconduct leading to death.
This complex legal situation underscores the profound impact of the disaster and the ongoing quest for accountability and justice.
