Dali Crew Facing Legal Battle in Baltimore: Blocked from Departure

The crew of the containership Dali, which caused damage to the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, is currently at the center of legal battles as they have not been permitted to leave Baltimore 85 days after the incident. Lawyers for the plaintiffs, including the City of Baltimore, are now seeking to block the departure of crewmembers as the vessel’s operator attempts to arrange for replacement crew. The ship remains in Baltimore at the Seagirt terminal while salvage work is ongoing.

The vessel’s operator, Synergy Marine, and owners Grace Ocean informed the plaintiffs that eight crewmembers were scheduled to depart for return to India and Sri Lanka. However, the plaintiffs are objecting to their departure as they were promised notice and provisions for interviews or depositions before any crewmembers left the ship. An emergency hearing has been scheduled for June 20 to address the issue and prevent the crewmembers from leaving.

In the past, crewmembers have been ordered to remain in the United States for testimony in similar cases, despite objections from their lawyers. The crewmembers in this case may invoke the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to protect themselves against self-incrimination if necessary. The court has ordered the vessel’s operator not to facilitate the departure of any crewmembers and has instructed the United States not to deport the crewmembers before the hearing.

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