Federal prosecutors on Tuesday announced criminal charges against the two companies and a shoreside superintendent in connection to a cargo ship crashing into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in March 2024, collapsing the structure. 

Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., based in Singapore, and Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd, based in Chennai, India, that operated the ship that slammed into a bridge pylon were charged with conspiracy, willfully failing to immediately inform the U.S. Coast Guard of a known hazardous condition, obstruction of an agency proceeding and false statements. 

Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, 47, an Indian national who worked for both companies as the Technical Superintendent, was also charged. 

On March 26, 2024, the Motor Vessel Dali, a 900-foot foreign flag container vessel, registered in Singapore, crashed into the bridge. 

Six construction workers filling potholes on the bridge were killed in the accident.

“The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was a preventable tragedy of enormous consequence," acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. 

"This indictment is a critical step toward holding accountable those whose reckless disregard for maritime safety regulations caused this disaster. Six construction workers lost their lives, critical infrastructure was destroyed, pollutants were released into the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay, and the economic damage now exceeds five billion dollars. This Department is committed to securing justice for the victims and ensuring those responsible are held to account."