Baltimore: Federal Agents Board Ship Connected to Bridge Collapse Investigation
In Baltimore, federal agents took significant actions over the weekend related to a recent maritime disaster. On Saturday, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with members of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, and the Coast Guard Investigative Services, boarded a vessel named the Maersk Saltoro. This ship is operated by Synergy Marine Group, the same company managing the cargo ship involved in a deadly bridge collapse earlier this year.
Details of the Investigation
According to statements released by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland, agents boarded the Maersk Saltoro as part of an authorized law enforcement effort. However, officials have not provided additional details about the specific purpose of their presence on the ship. The news was first reported by the Washington Post.
This action comes in the wake of a tragic incident that occurred on March 26. The Dali, a vessel operated by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and managed by Synergy Marine Group, crashed into a support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leading to the deaths of six construction workers. The crash was attributed to a power outage which affects the steering of the vessel.
Legal Repercussions
In response to the collapse, the U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit alleging that both Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine acted recklessly, overlooking known electrical issues on the Dali. The lawsuit claims that the ship’s mechanical and electrical systems were improperly maintained, resulting in the infamous power outage.
The incident caused massive disruptions to commercial shipping routes through the Port of Baltimore for several months. The Justice Department is now seeking to recover over $100 million spent on cleanup and recovery efforts after the disaster. The lawsuit aims to deter vessel operators and owners from engaging in similar reckless behavior in the future.
Vessel History and Current Operations
The Dali, which was stuck in the wreckage for several months, has recently resumed operations. It departed from Norfolk, Virginia, heading to China on its first international voyage since the tragic incident. In the meantime, the Maersk Saltoro has become a focus for those investigating the broader implications of the disaster, as it is operated by the same company involved in the incident.
Darrell Wilson, a spokesperson for Grace Ocean, confirmed that the federal agents boarded the Maersk Saltoro at the Port of Baltimore on Saturday morning. He expressed that both Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine look forward to the opportunity to address these serious allegations in court.
Continued Legal Challenges
Following the incident, Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine filed a court petition aiming to limit their legal liability, signaling potential challenges for the U.S. Justice Department. Officials have stated that they would vigorously contest this bid. They emphasize that there is no legal basis for such a limit and argue that it is crucial to hold the companies accountable to prevent future occurrences.
Authorities have pointed out the need for strict repercussions, not only for Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine but also due to the presence of a sister ship to the Dali operating in U.S. waters, which highlights ongoing risks associated with inadequate vessel management.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, it remains unclear whether the ongoing investigation includes potential criminal charges related to the bridge collapse. The FBI previously boarded the Dali in April as part of this inquiry.
The aftermath of this horrific event continues to unfold, and it ensures monitoring by both federal authorities and the public, as they seek to understand the lessons learned and prevent such tragedies in the future.
