In a surprising turn of events, the city of Baltimore has withdrawn its court petition aimed at preventing crew members aboard the Dali cargo ship from leaving the United States. This move comes after attorneys on both sides reached a compromise proposal, averting the need for further court intervention.

Attorney Adam Levitt, representing the city, revealed that all parties involved had agreed to a resolution that would address the city’s concerns while allowing the crew members to depart as planned.

The dispute arose when attorneys for the city learned that eight crew members had received permission from the U.S. Coast Guard to disembark and leave the country as early as Thursday. Initially, the city sought to prevent their departure, fearing it could hinder ongoing investigations and depositions related to the deadly collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March.

However, under the compromise agreement, the Dali’s owner, Grace Ocean Private Ltd., and managing company, Synergy Marine Group, have agreed to produce the crew members in question for depositions. The companies have further committed to ensuring the witnesses’ appearance at the depositions, either in London or at a mutually agreed-upon location, under the threat of sanctions.

The court petition was originally filed due to concerns that the crew members, who hail from India and Sri Lanka, would not be available for depositions should they leave the country. Their testimony is considered crucial in determining the circumstances that led to the bridge collapse, which claimed six lives and temporarily halted maritime traffic through Baltimore’s busy port.

With the agreement in place, the city has withdrawn its legal bid, allowing the crew members to return home while ensuring their cooperation in the ongoing investigations and civil litigation efforts.

As the inquiries into the tragic incident continue, this compromise demonstrates the complex balance between respecting the rights of individuals and ensuring access to vital information in pursuit of justice and accountability.