FBI Agents Board Cargo Ship to Investigate Cause of Baltimore Bridge Collapse

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Photograph of Agents Working on Their Laptops
Credit: pexels.com, Photograph of Agents Working on Their Laptops

FBI agents boarded a cargo ship in the Port of Baltimore to investigate the cause of a recent bridge collapse in the area. The cargo ship was identified as a key vessel in the investigation.

The bridge collapse occurred on a major highway, causing significant disruptions to traffic and commerce. The FBI's involvement in the investigation suggests the incident may be more complex than initially thought.

As part of the investigation, FBI agents are likely reviewing security footage and interviewing crew members. This process can be time-consuming and meticulous, but it's essential to determining the cause of the collapse.

FBI Agents Board Ship

FBI agents boarded the Maersk Saltoro, a vessel managed by Synergy Marine Group, in the Port of Baltimore on Saturday morning.

The ship is managed by the same company as the cargo ship that caused the deadly Baltimore bridge collapse in March.

The FBI, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division, and Coast Guard Investigative Services are conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity on the ship.

Credit: youtube.com, FBI opens criminal investigation into Baltimore bridge collapse, AP source says

This activity comes just three days after the U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the owner and operator of the Dali for being "grossly negligent" and "reckless" in the lead-up to the collision.

The Justice Department is seeking more than $100 million in damages to cover the costs of the emergency response and federal aid to port employees.

The Maersk Saltoro was sailing under the Singaporean flag and was expected to depart for Sri Lanka before the boarding.

The FBI and Coast Guard boarded the ship in the Port of Baltimore on Saturday morning, according to Darrell Wilson, a Grace Ocean spokesperson.

Reason for Boarding

The FBI agents boarded the Maersk Saltoro because it is managed by Synergy Marine Group, the same company whose cargo ship caused the deadly Baltimore bridge collapse.

The Justice Department has alleged that Synergy Marine Group recklessly cut corners and ignored known electrical problems on the vessel.

Credit: youtube.com, FBI boards Dali, former agent says timing, location of failure key reasons for probe

The power outage moments before the ship crashed into a support column on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March was a critical factor in the collapse.

The collapse killed six men who were doing work on the bridge, and the Justice Department is seeking to recover more than $100 million the government spent to clear the underwater debris and reopen the city's port.

The lawsuit also calls the disaster "entirely avoidable", suggesting that the company's actions were not just careless, but also preventable.

Baltimore

The cargo ship in question was actually sailing from Baltimore to the Dominican Republic.

It's a major port city, after all.

The FBI agents boarded the ship in the Baltimore harbor.

The ship's cargo was being inspected by the agents.

The inspection was likely routine, but the FBI agents were on high alert.

The ship's crew was cooperative and allowed the agents to do their job.

Baltimore is a strategic port city, making it a prime location for cargo inspections.

Clara Donnelly

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Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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