The owners of the Dali cargo ship that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last week, resulting in the tragic collapse of the bridge and the presumed deaths of six construction workers, have taken steps to limit their liability for the accident. Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Group, the ship's owner and manager, filed a preemptive petition in the U.S. District Court in Baltimore under the Limitation of Liability Act of 1851. The filing seeks to cap the companies' liability at approximately $43.6 million, citing that the accident was not due to any fault, neglect, or want of care on their part.

The filing also notes that the vessel itself is valued at up to $90 million and was owed over $1.1 million in income from the freight. Repair costs are estimated to be at least $28 million, with salvage costs at least $19.5 million. The companies are offering an interim stipulation of $43 million, although the total costs of the destruction have not yet been determined. Experts suggest that any claimants, likely relatives of the victims, and the state can challenge the amount at a later date.

The tragic incident occurred when the 984-foot-long Dali vessel lost power and collided with the Key Bridge, causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River. Six construction workers were presumed dead, with two bodies recovered and four still missing. President Joe Biden's administration has approved $60 million in emergency aid to begin the process of removing debris from the water. The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation into the incident, which could lead to further recommendations and assessments of costs involved. US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has stated that any private party found responsible and liable will be held accountable.