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Virtual Panel—The Francis Scott Key Bridge, Dali, and Maritime Law

The catastrophic impact of the container ship Dali with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024, which caused six deaths and destroyed the bridge in seconds, is a story of modern-day shipping and the practical, legal, and economic consequences of such a disaster. The losses and damages resulting from the casualty are enormous, with estimated costs of salvage, rebuilding the bridge, and other direct costs exceeding funds available for compensation. Can injured parties achieve fair redress? The case, now in federal district court in Baltimore, presents important questions under an often criticized maritime statute from the Civil War era and related doctrines.

Two experienced Baltimore maritime law practitioners, James R. Jeffcoat and James W. Constable, will explore the tragic event as well as the history and impact of existing legislation, in a discussion moderated by Kate Livie, Chesapeake maritime historian, author, and educator.

Image: Francis Scott Key Bridge Photograph © Baltimore Sun

After

After

Sip and Paint—Baltimore Screen Painting Workshop with Michael Seipp