FBI Ongoing Investigation into Collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge
In a developing story surrounding the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore earlier this year, the FBI has boarded a ship managed by Synergy Marine Group, the same company linked to the bridge collapse. The collapse resulted in the deaths of six people, and its investigation has now taken a new turn with the involvement of federal law enforcement agencies.
Inspection of Maersk Saltoro at Port of Baltimore
According to the Associated Press, the vessel under examination by the FBI is the Maersk Saltoro, which was inspected at the Port of Baltimore. This operation involved not only the FBI but also the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and Coast Guard Investigative Services. The engagement of these agencies signifies court-authorized law enforcement activities, as detailed by The New York Times.
The Singapore-based Synergy Marine Group manages both the Maersk Saltoro and the Dali, the ship directly involved in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The recent inspection occurs just three days after the US Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the owner and operator of the Dali, alleging gross negligence and recklessness in connection with the tragic incident that occurred in March. The government’s claim seeks over $100 million in damages to cover the emergency response efforts while aiding affected port employees. The incident report from the National Transportation Safety Board released in May highlighted electrical issues on the Dali leading up to the bridge collapse.
Ongoing Investigation
Although it remains unclear whether Saturday’s boarding of the Maersk Saltoro is in direct conjunction with the Justice Department’s lawsuit or if it pertains to an independent investigation, the FBI’s involvement suggests the intention to identify any possible connection between the two incidents.
The Maersk Saltoro, registered in Singapore, was initially scheduled to depart for Sri Lanka, according to VesselFinder. This unexpected inspection threatens potential delays in its departure, adding uncertainty to its future operations.
On the sunny morning of March 26th, tragedy struck when the Dali lost power and collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The collision claimed the lives of six diligent maintenance workers, and recovery efforts spanned six long weeks for authorities to locate and retrieve their bodies.
Continuing Lawsuits and Ongoing Investigations
Subsequent to the incident, three families of the victims have filed their lawsuit against the owner of the Dali. Both the FBI and the National Transportation Safety Board continue to investigate further along with these parallel legal proceedings.
As the investigations unfold and the lawsuits progress, it is apparent that accountability for this horrifying incident is of paramount importance to the victims’ families and the wider community impacted by this tragic event. The outcomes of the ongoing inquiries and ongoing lawsuits may serve as crucial factors in ensuring safer practices and sounder infrastructure management in the future.
