Federal authorities have charged Chennai-based Synergy Maritime and an Indian employee in connection with the 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse that resulted in six fatalities.
BALTIMORE, MD – Federal authorities have unveiled multiple criminal charges against Chennai-based Synergy Maritime and Singapore-based Synergy Marine related to the 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, a 47-year-old Indian national and technical superintendent for both companies, has also been indicted in connection with the case.
U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes confirmed that Nair is currently not in custody and is believed to be in India. The indictment includes serious charges of conspiracy to defraud and making false statements to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
FBI Special Agent Jimmy Paul, who is involved in the investigation, alleged that Nair and the companies “forged safety inspections and certifications” and “lied to investigators” regarding the condition of the ship.
The tragic collapse occurred on March 26, 2024, when the container ship lost electrical power and steering capabilities before colliding with the bridge, resulting in the deaths of six construction workers.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche described the incident as “a preventable tragedy of enormous consequence,” emphasizing that it stemmed from what he termed a “reckless disregard for maritime safety regulations.”
The NTSB previously determined that a loose wire connection in a high-voltage switchboard was responsible for the vessel losing electrical power, propulsion, and steering control.
In a related development, the U.S. Justice Department had earlier reached a $100 million settlement with Synergy Marine and another company, Grace Ocean, to recover costs associated with emergency response operations and debris removal from the Baltimore shipping channel.
Maryland officials have estimated that the cost to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge could exceed $5.2 billion, with completion projected for 2030.
These developments highlight ongoing concerns regarding maritime safety and the accountability of companies operating in this sector, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the bridge collapse.
According to India-West, the legal proceedings against Nair and the companies are part of a broader effort to ensure accountability in maritime operations and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.