Feds Conduct Authorized Search of Dali’s Sister Ship in Baltimore

On Saturday morning, federal agents boarded the Maersk Saltoro, a vessel closely linked to the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26, which claimed six lives. This boarding happened just 15 minutes after the sister ship of the ill-fated Maersk Dali entered the Port of Baltimore at 5:45 a.m.

Authorities involved in this operation included the FBI, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, and the Coast Guard’s Investigative Services. Their presence on the Saltoro was part of an “authorized law enforcement activity,” as confirmed by the FBI in statements to NPR and WBAL TV.

Both the Maersk Saltoro and the Maersk Dali are operated by the Singapore-based Synergy Marine Group. These vessels, which were constructed by South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2015, share identical designs and each measures approximately 984 feet in length.

Darrell Wilson, a spokesperson for Synergy, acknowledged the boarding by the federal authorities and directed all inquiries to the respective agencies involved, as reported by the Washington Post. The boarding took place in the wake of a significant development earlier in the week.

On Wednesday, the Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit demanding $100 million from the owner and operator of the Maersk Dali in the U.S. District Court for Maryland. This lawsuit reflects the extensive costs associated with the cleanup efforts following the bridge collapse.

The lawsuit outlines that the defendants “sent an ill-prepared crew on an abjectly unseaworthy vessel to navigate the United States’ waterways.” In addition to the owners, the ship was operated by Synergy Marine and was chartered by Danish shipping giant AP Moller-Maersk at the time of the incident.

Following the bridge collapse, cleanup operations progressed, with the debris being cleared and the shipping channel reopening in June. However, the impact of the collapse is far from over; vehicle traffic across the bridge is expected to remain restricted until 2028, when a new bridge is slated for construction.

The Maersk Saltoro’s recent boarding underscores the ongoing investigation and the legal ramifications stemming from the tragic events of March. Authorities are focused on ensuring accountability for the safety protocols and navigational standards adhered to by vessels operating in U.S. waters.

As investigations continue, the families affected by the bridge collapse are still grappling with the consequences of the tragedy, and the community remains in mourning. The implications of this incident highlight the importance of stringent maritime safety measures to prevent future disasters.

The ongoing legal proceedings will seek not only to address the financial consequences of the bridge collapse but also to establish accountability and reinforce the standards required for vessels navigating critical waterways. As the situation unfolds, attention will be closely monitored by the public and authorities alike.