Two high-ranking law enforcement officials, familiar with the matter, have revealed that the FBI is now conducting a criminal investigation into the cargo ship responsible for colliding with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leading to its collapse in Baltimore last month.
On Monday morning, federal agents executed search warrants aboard the 985-foot Dali.
Baltimore FBI confirmed Monday that agents were on board “conducting court authorized law enforcement activity.”
Sources indicate that the investigation will delve into the circumstances preceding the ship’s departure from the port.
Part of the inquiry will focus on whether the crew had prior knowledge of any mechanical issues that could have rendered the vessel unsafe while in the harbor.
Sources reveal that FBI agents are gathering physical evidence and data from within the ship, pertaining to the moments leading up to, during, and following the impact.
As we previously reported the owner of the Dali ship involved in the collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has submitted a legal filing in U.S. Federal Court, asserting no responsibility for the collapse of the Key Bridge.
In a legal filing, Grace Ocean Private Limited, the owner of the Dali ship, has “denied any fault or neglect of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.”
Singapore-based Grace Ocean Private Ltd., the owner of the cargo ship Dali, and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., the ship’s manager, filed a petition in federal court denying any fault or neglect, according to the Baltimore Banner.
“The [bridge collapse] was not due to any fault, neglect, or want of care on the part of Petitioners, the Vessel, or any persons or entities for whose acts Petitioners may be held responsible,” the “limitation of liability” petition filed in the US District Court of Baltimore says, the Banner reports.
“Alternatively, if any such faults caused or contributed to the [bridge collapse], or to any loss or damage arising out of the Casualty, which is denied, such faults were occasioned and occurred without Petitioners’ privity or knowledge.”
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