Wall Street Says BUY GOLD, But...

While markets wobble, gold keeps smashing records-and banks say it's just beginning. Goldman urges "buy gold" to hedge trade wars; JPMorgan plans $6,000 an ounce and just took delivery of $4 billion in bullion. Yet past bull runs saw 13x-1,000x bigger gains without buying more gold.

Ship owner in Baltimore bridge collapse seeks to blame others as liability case takes shape

LEA SKENE
October 29, 2024

BALTIMORE (AP) -- As a sprawling liability case takes shape following the deadly collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge in March, the owner and manager of the container ship Dali are seeking to deflect responsibility and cast blame elsewhere.

Attorneys for Singapore-based Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Group argued in court Tuesday that Maryland state officials should have better protected the bridge against ship strikes. They also raised questions about whether the shipbuilder installed faulty electrical equipment that caused the Dali to lose power as it approached the bridge.

Meanwhile, lawyers for dozens of claimants seeking damages argued that the immediate focus should remain on where the two companies dropped the ball.

"It's not an offensive tool," said attorney David Reisman, who represents the state of Maryland. He argued the court shouldn't consider such allegations from the companies this early in the litigation process.

Among the claimants are the families of six construction workers killed in the collapse as well as state and local governments, businesses, longshoremen and more. They've accused Grace Ocean and Synergy of failing to properly maintain the Dali, ignoring longstanding problems with its electrical system and knowingly sending an unseaworthy vessel into Maryland waters.

Shortly after the March 26 collapse, the companies filed a petition in federal court in Baltimore seeking to limit their liability. Since then, nearly 50 other entities have filed opposing claims in the case.

At a scheduling conference Tuesday, Judge James Bredar questioned attorneys on both sides in an effort to "bring structure to this sprawling and unusual matter," which could become the most expensive marine casualty case in history.

Bredar said the ultimate goal is delivering the case "to the launching pad for settlement." But that could take years. He said a forthcoming order will address the first phase of the case, including a timeline and a determination of the appropriate scope -- whether it's narrowly focused or considers broader questions like third-party liability.

William Bennett, an attorney for Grace Ocean, argued the court should consider assigning "significant liability and fault" to state officials, among others. He cited "decades of records" showing the state of Maryland failed to properly protect the bridge, which was built in the 1970s with minimal pier protection.

The courtroom's gallery was filled with attorneys involved in the case. The discovery process will likely include dozens of hourslong depositions over the next several months, culminating in a bench trial.

It's possible some of the federal claims could be settled in the meantime. Just last week, Grace Ocean and Synergy agreed to pay more than $102 million in cleanup costs to settle a claim brought by the U.S. Department of Justice. That payment will reimburse the federal government for money spent clearing massive amounts of debris from the Port of Baltimore's main shipping channel, which remained closed for months after the collapse.

After announcing the settlement, a spokesperson for Grace Ocean said it wasn't an admission of responsibility or wrongdoing.

The Justice Department claim, which has since been dismissed, provided the most detailed account yet of the cascading series of failures that left the Dali's pilots and crew helpless in the face of looming disaster. The complaint pointed to "excessive vibrations" on the ship that attorneys called a "well-known cause of transformer and electrical failure." Instead of dealing with the source of the vibrations, crew members "jury-rigged" the ship, the complaint alleged.

FBI agents boarded the ship in April amid a criminal investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collapse.

The Dali was leaving Baltimore enroute to Sri Lanka when it lost power and veered off course, striking the bridge. Six members of a roadwork crew plunged to their deaths. A last-minute mayday call from the ship's pilots allowed police to stop traffic to the bridge, but they weren't able to alert the workers.

The collapse snarled commercial shipping traffic through the Port of Baltimore, increased commute times for local drivers and left many longshoremen temporarily out of work. Trucking businesses and other companies that relied on the bridge are anticipating long-term impacts, according to court filings.

The federal case will likely be followed by additional lawsuits in Maryland state courts.

Continue Reading...

Popular

Cathie Wood's Alpha Surge: $250 Million Circle Windfall, Big AMD Buys

Cathie Wood, founder and CEO of ARK Invest, has recently been on a hot streak of successful and high-profile trades through her flagship ARK ETFs. 

A judge resisted Trump’s order on gender identity. The EEOC just fired her

The federal agency charged with protecting workers’ civil rights has terminated a New York administrative judge who , including President Donald Trump’s executive order decreeing male and female as .

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Forget concrete. The new foundation for real estate success is digital, and Pacaso leads the way. Their tech unlocks a $1.3T real estate market. They've already earned $110M+ in gross profits in their operating history and reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

Cargo ship carrying new vehicles to Mexico sinks in the North Pacific weeks after catching fire

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A cargo ship that had been delivering new vehicles to Mexico sank in the North Pacific Ocean, weeks after crew members abandoned ship when they couldn’t extinguish an onboard fire that left the carrier dead in the water.

Nike Beats The Street And Says The Worst Is Over

Nike Inc (NKE) stock rallies after upbeat fiscal Q4 results. Analysts maintain Buy ratings, raise price targets, citing potential for growth.

Crypto Genius: This Could Crush Bitcoin in 2025 - Ad

On June 30th, two powerful "Wealth Drivers" ignite what could be a 2025 super bull run-backed by Trump. One investmentThe altcoin market as a whole has already soared 132,721% over the past ten years and could surge again. A $900 stake could turn into $108K over 12 months. This is The Great Gain of 2025.

Goldman Just Launched Two New Bond ETFs; Here's Why Investors Should Pay Attention

Goldman Sachs Asset Management debuts two new actively managed fixed income ETFs in response to rising demand for active strategies in a volatile rate landscape.

Japan launches a climate change monitoring satellite on mainstay H2A rocket's last flight

TOKYO (AP) — Japan on Sunday launched a satellite to monitor greenhouse gas emissions using its mainstay rocket, which made its final flight before it is replaced by a new flagship designed to be more cost competitive in the global space market.

The Missing Ingredient for Big Tech's $3T Recipe? - Ad

Big Tech doesn't build everything; they buy what's next. And only Emteq's tech offers real behavior insights for smart glasses, key to unlocking the $3T XR market. Their patented sensors track live facial muscle movements. With health-focused smart glasses in demand, only Emteq has this tech.

BigBear.ai (BBAI) Stock Soars 21%: What's Going On?

Shares of BigBear.ai are trading sharply higher Tuesday afternoon. The rally comes without any new company-specific announcements.

Wall Street Legend: Trump Tariffs Will Accelerate the Greatest Wealth Transfer in History - Ad

A financial insider with decades on Wall Street has released a controversial video. He reveals the unseen connection between Trump's economic vision and a technological revolution. This hidden synergy is creating both unprecedented wealth and poverty. What can you do about it?

This Stock Just Popped 30% In 5 Days — Now Expert Says It 'Looks Potentially Explosive'

Experts have been betting on the growth prospects of Oscar Health, as it surged by 16.51% on Wednesday and 32.56% in the last five days.

Chime's IPO Marks Another Successful Wall Street Debut

Chime's strong debut is seen as a positive sign for the U.S. IPO market, which has been sluggish for several years. But that may be changing.

If You Missed Tesla, Here's Your "Second Chance"... - Ad

If you missed your shot at turning $1,000 into more than $18,000 when I recommended Tesla, you'll want to pay close attention. I'm 100% convinced Elon's "Agenda X" could make early investors rich. But you need to hurry, because Elon and Visa are moments away from launching.

T-Mobile Stock (TMUS) Plunges After SoftBank's $4.8B Share Sale: Report

T-Mobile stock is down over 4% after SoftBank reportedly sold $4.8 billion in shares at a discount. This major share sale by a key investor is contributing significantly to the stock's decline Tuesday.

ICE arrests 84 people at Louisiana racetrack

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 84 people unlawfully in the country during a raid at a southwest Louisiana racetrack, the agency announced Tuesday.

Crypto Genius: These 5 Altcoins Could Crush Bitcoin in 2025 - Ad

On June 30th, two powerful "Wealth Drivers" ignite what could be a 2025 super bull run-backed by Trump. One investmentThe altcoin market as a whole has already soared 132,721% over the past ten years and could surge again. A $900 stake could turn into $108K over 12 months. This is The Great Gain of 2025.

Home to North Carolina iconic attraction reopens after Hurricane Helene's devastation

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (AP) — An iconic tourist attraction in an area of western North Carolina among the hardest hit by reopened to the public on Friday, nine months after the storm brought historic flooding, destruction and loss of life.

DOGE-Fame 'Big Balls' Is Reportedly Leaving The Government Department Once Headed By Elon Musk — Dogecoin Price Rises

Another key figure at the Department of Government Efficiency, nicknamed “Big Balls”, has reportedly stepped down, following the exit of Elon Musk from the federal initiative meant to reduce wasteful spending.

A 64% Dividend From Gold? - Ad

Gold is soaring. But here's what no one's talking about: a way to earn a 64% dividend-paid in real cash every 30 days. No trading. No risky mining stocks. Just one simple move in your brokerage account... and you could start collecting monthly income almost instantly.

California energy regulator recommends pause on plan to penalize excess oil profits

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California should pause Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to penalize oil companies if their profits climb too high, a top energy regulator said Friday while unveiling proposals aimed at addressing high gas prices.

FDA requires updated warning about rare heart risk with COVID shots

WASHINGTON (AP) — said Wednesday it has expanded existing warnings on the two leading COVID-19 vaccines about a rare heart side effect mainly seen in young men.

A Historic Gold Announcement Is About to Rock Wall Street - Ad

The greatest investor of all time is about to validate what Garrett Goggin has been saying for months: Gold is entering a once-in-a-generation mania. Front-running Buffett has never been more urgent - and four tiny miners could be your ticket to 100X gains.

Oil rises and US stock futures slide as markets react to US strike on Iran nuclear sites

NEW YORK (AP) — The price of oil rose and U.S. stock futures fell as global markets react to the U.S. strike against nuclear targets in Iran.

Trump's Exec Order #14154 Could Be a "Millionaire-Maker" - Ad

Trump's next move could cement his legacy--and trigger a historic wealth boom. Ex-presidential advisor Jim Rickards reveals how it could hand millions a shot at true financial freedom. Watch the urgent interview while it's still free.

Public Company Bitcoin Holdings Are A 'Megatrend' Just Getting Started, Says Bitwise's Matt Hougan

Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management on Monday described the surge in public companies holding Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) as a “megatrend” that is set to accelerate, driven by concerns over dollar devaluation and

London-bound Air India flight with more than 240 aboard crashes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India

AHMEDABAD, India (AP) — Ahmedabad’s city police commissioner says there don’t appear to have been any survivors from an Air India airliner that crashed, and that there are likely also casualties from the area of the city where it went down.

Wall Street Says BUY GOLD, But... - Ad

While markets wobble, gold keeps smashing records-and banks say it's just beginning. Goldman urges "buy gold" to hedge trade wars; JPMorgan plans $6,000 an ounce and just took delivery of $4 billion in bullion. Yet past bull runs saw 13x-1,000x bigger gains without buying more gold.

Trump says he's not planning to extend a pause on global tariffs beyond July 9

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he is not planning to extend on most nations beyond July 9, when the negotiating period he set would expire, and his administration will notify countries that the trade penalties will take effect unless there are

Trump says he’s terminating trade talks with Canada over tax on technology firms

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he’s immediately suspending over its plans to continue with its tax on technology firms, which he called “a direct and blatant attack on our country.”

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Forget concrete. The new foundation for real estate success is digital, and Pacaso leads the way. Their tech unlocks a $1.3T real estate market. They've already earned $110M+ in gross profits in their operating history and reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

Barrick's Top Gold Mine Placed Under State Control

Mali's Bamako Commercial Court put Barrick Mining's Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex under state control for 6 months after a prolonged standoff over taxation.

International Space Station welcomes its first astronauts from India, Poland and Hungary

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The first astronauts in more than 40 years from India, Poland and Hungary arrived at the International Space Station on Thursday, ferried there by SpaceX on a private flight.

Crypto Genius: This Could Crush Bitcoin in 2025 - Ad

On June 30th, two powerful "Wealth Drivers" ignite what could be a 2025 super bull run-backed by Trump. One investmentThe altcoin market as a whole has already soared 132,721% over the past ten years and could surge again. A $900 stake could turn into $108K over 12 months. This is The Great Gain of 2025.

The Latest: Death toll grows as Israel and Iran trade attacks for third day

The death toll is growing as exchanged missile attacks for a third consecutive day on Sunday, and Israel is warning that worse is to come.

Firms led by US military veterans deliver aid in Africa and Gaza, alarming humanitarian groups

ON A PLANE OVER UPPER NILE STATE, South Sudan (AP) — Swooping low over the banks of a Nile River tributary, an aid flight run by retired American military officers released a stream of food-stuffed sacks over a town emptied by fighting in , a country wracked .

The Missing Ingredient for Big Tech's $3T Recipe? - Ad

Big Tech doesn't build everything; they buy what's next. And only Emteq's tech offers real behavior insights for smart glasses, key to unlocking the $3T XR market. Their patented sensors track live facial muscle movements. With health-focused smart glasses in demand, only Emteq has this tech.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright trendadvisor.net
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service