Families of six victims who perished in the Key Bridge collapse are suing Grace Ocean Private Limited, asserting the shipowner's negligence led to the deadly incident involving the Dali container ship.

The families, represented by attorney Matthew Wessler, argue that the ship's owner recklessly allowed the Dali to depart despite its previous power loss, which culminated in the fatal collision that killed six construction workers. As they prepare to file their lawsuit ahead of the federal court deadline on September 24, the families seek justice while Baltimore officials also challenge the shipowner's liability claims, signaling broader implications for accountability in maritime safety practices.

The April incident resulted in the tragic deaths of six construction workers, who were conducting work on the Francis Scott Key Bridge at the time of the collision. Their lives were abruptly cut short when the Dali, a container ship owned by Grace Ocean Private Limited, lost power and collided with the bridge, causing workers to fall into the Patapsco River. While six were confirmed dead, two other individuals managed to survive, underlining the perilous circumstances surrounding the incident.

Matthew Wessler, the attorney leading the legal action on behalf of the victims' families, has presented a case centered around negligence. Wessler indicated that the Dali, having previously experienced power loss, should not have been permitted to leave port, as this history posed significant risks to safety. The families are not only seeking compensation but also accountability from Grace Ocean Private Limited to ensure such negligence does not go unpunished. Wessler noted, 'We aim to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions that led to this tragedy.'

The timing of the legal action is critical, with the families poised to submit their case before the September 24 deadline imposed by federal court regulations. The lawsuit seeks to prevent Grace Ocean Private Limited from limiting their liability, which could set a precedent in maritime law regarding the responsibilities of shipowners when incidents occur. Baltimore city officials have echoed similar sentiments, filing their own court response aimed at upholding the accountability of the ship's owners.

Emotional responses from family members have showcased the deep personal losses endured. Maria del Carmen Castellon, widow of victim Miguel Luna Gonzalez, shared her devastation, describing her husband as a hero and highlighting the profound impact of his death on their family. Castellon's remarks illustrate the human cost of the incident, emphasizing the void left by the victims and the urgent demands for justice by their loved ones.

In addition to the civil lawsuits being filed, the case has attracted the attention of federal investigative bodies. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse, while the FBI is concurrently conducting a federal criminal inquiry. These investigations aim to scrutinize not only the actions of Grace Ocean Private Limited but also the overall safety protocols in place for maritime operations.

The collision of the Dali has sparked broader discussions regarding worker safety, especially for immigrant construction workers who face heightened vulnerabilities. Family members are advocating for increased protections and regulations to safeguard workers in similar precarious jobs. They argue that a comprehensive review of safety measures and compliance needs to be prompted by this tragic event.

As the families prepare for their legal battle, they are joined by Baltimore city officials who contend that the negligence demonstrated by the ship's owner warrants serious legal ramifications. The city’s opposition to Grace Ocean Private Limited's efforts to minimize liability reflects a shared commitment to uphold safety standards and ensure liability for actions that endanger lives.

In conclusion, the pending legal action against Grace Ocean Private Limited not only seeks accountability for the Key Bridge disaster but also serves as a catalyst for a larger conversation on safety in both maritime and construction sectors. The families of the victims remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, underscoring the importance of holding entities accountable to prevent future tragedies.