⏱ 2 min read
Karthikeyan Deenadayalan, the chief engineer of the Motor Vessel Dali, has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement for his role in the vessel’s crash into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland. The crash occurred when the Dali, under Deenadayalan’s watch, struck the bridge, causing significant damage. Deenadayalan, an Indian national, admitted to failing to report a hazardous condition to the US Coast Guard, specifically the use of an unsafe fuel supply pump lacking redundancy, which compromised the vessel’s safe navigation.
The agreement, announced by US Attorney Kelly O. Hayes, defers prosecution of the charge against Deenadayalan, provided he abides by the agreement’s conditions. The case is related to an indictment unsealed last month that charged three defendants in connection with the vessel crash. Deenadayalan previously served as the chief engineer on the Dali’s sister vessels, the Motor Vessel Maersk Saltoro and the Motor Vessel Cezanne.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, US Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. The deferred prosecution agreement is a result of the joint efforts of these agencies to hold Deenadayalan accountable for his actions.
The use of an unsafe fuel supply pump lacking redundancy put the vessel and its crew at risk, and Deenadayalan’s failure to report this hazardous condition to the US Coast Guard is a serious violation of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act. The deferred prosecution agreement ensures that Deenadayalan takes responsibility for his actions and prioritizes the safety of vessels and their crew.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: White Collar Crime
- Defendant: Maryland
- Location: MD
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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