US sues owner of cargo ship that destroyed Baltimore bridge over cleanup costs

(Reuters) – The U.S. Justice Department on Wednesday filed a civil claim against the owner and operator of the container ship that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore killing six, seeking more than $100 million.

The department is seeking to recover costs the United States incurred in responding to the disaster and for clearing the wreck and bridge debris so the Port of Baltimore could reopen in June. The department also is seeking punitive damages to deter the owner and operator of the Dali cargo ship and others.

(Reporting by David Shepardson and Andrew Goudsward)