Nearly two years after the catastrophic collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, four senior crew members from the cargo ship that caused the disaster remain detained in the United States despite facing no criminal charges. The incident, which claimed the lives of six construction workers, continues to cast a long shadow over maritime safety and legal proceedings.
Ongoing Detention Without Charges
In the early hours of 26 March 2024, the Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Dali departed Baltimore's port bound for Sri Lanka when it suffered a catastrophic power failure while navigating the Fort McHenry channel. The 1,000-foot-long ship subsequently collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the structure to collapse into the Patapsco River below.
The vessel's captain, chief engineer, chief electrician, and second officer - all hailing from India and Sri Lanka - have remained in Baltimore as part of the ongoing federal investigation. According to four maritime industry sources speaking anonymously, these men have been living in limbo for nearly two years, uncertain when they might reunite with their families.
Human Cost of Legal Limbo
"These men don't know when they are going to see their families again," revealed one source familiar with their situation. "They're stuck here with no light at the end of the tunnel. They don't know if they'll ever be hired again. It's sad and it's scary. They're just sitting on their hands right now."
Some crew members have reportedly not seen their children in almost two years, creating significant emotional strain. While authorities have confiscated their passports to restrict international travel, they are permitted to move freely within Baltimore but require FBI permission to visit other states.
Investigative Findings and Systemic Issues
The National Transportation Safety Board's November 2024 report identified the primary cause of the collision as a loss of electrical power resulting from a loose signal wire in the vessel's electrical system. Investigators determined this resulted from improper installation of the wire and noted that insufficient countermeasures to reduce the bridge's vulnerability contributed to the catastrophic collapse.
Significantly, the NTSB did not attribute individual fault to crew members, instead highlighting broader systemic issues in the vessel's configuration and safety systems. Barbara Shipley of the International Transport Workers' Federation commented: "With the final report of the NTSB now released, it is clear these men acted to the best of their ability to avoid the collision."
Contrasting Perspectives on Responsibility
The Maryland Transportation Authority maintained a different position, stating: "The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the tragic loss of life were the sole fault of the Dali and the gross negligence of its owners and operators." This contrast highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding the incident.
Legal Proceedings and Financial Settlements
In October 2024, Grace Ocean Private Ltd and Synergy Marine Group - the companies that owned and operated the Dali - agreed to pay $101.98 million to settle a civil claim brought by the US government to recover federal response and cleanup costs. Notably, this settlement did not require an admission of liability, and Synergy Marine Group expressly rejected responsibility for the incident.
Separate legal proceedings scheduled to begin on 1 June 2026 will determine whether the companies are entitled to limit liability under federal maritime law. Meanwhile, Baltimore city, the state of Maryland, numerous businesses, cargo owners, and families of the deceased workers have filed lawsuits seeking damages.
Employment and Accommodation Support
Throughout their extended stay in the United States, Synergy Marine Group has continued to pay the detained crew members' salaries and accommodation costs. Four additional crew members were permitted to return home in late November 2024 on the condition they return to the US the following month.
Maritime industry sources expressed surprise at the unusual nature of the prolonged detention. "I've never seen this [detainment] before," remarked one source. "It's very unusual. But nobody wants to get into a shouting match with the FBI."
Looking Forward
As legal proceedings are expected to continue for several years, the detained crew members face an uncertain future. The International Transport Workers' Federation has expressed concern about their prolonged separation from families and friends, with Shipley adding: "It is our hope that they are exonerated and repatriated as soon as possible."
The companies involved have issued a joint statement noting they are reviewing the NTSB findings with their legal teams. Federal prosecutors have yet to announce any criminal charges related to the incident that continues to raise significant questions about maritime safety protocols, legal accountability, and the human impact of prolonged investigations.
