Federal Agents Board Maersk Saltoro Amid Legal Investigation

Federal agents have boarded the Maersk Saltoro, managed by Synergy Marine Group, linked to the deadly Baltimore bridge collapse. The FBI, EPA's Criminal Investigation Division, and Coast Guard are conducting a court-authorized investigation. The Justice Department alleges negligence by Dali owner Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine Group, seeking over $100 million in damages.

Federal agents have boarded the Maersk Saltoro, a vessel managed by Synergy Marine Group, the same firm managing the ship involved in the fatal Baltimore bridge collapse, the FBI confirmed.

In statements on Saturday, FBI and the US Attorney's Office spokespersons in Maryland confirmed the boarding. The ship, managed by Synergy Marine Group, is now under investigation.

Authorities from the FBI, US Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division, and Coast Guard Investigative Services are aboard the Maersk Saltoro for court-authorized law enforcement activity, as per statements from the FBI and US Attorney's Office. No further specifics have been provided.

Earlier this week, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit alleging Dali owner Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and manager Synergy Marine Group of Singapore ignored electrical issues on the vessel that suffered a power outage before colliding with a support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March. The department seeks over $100 million spent on clearing debris and reopening the port.

Grace Ocean spokesperson Darrell Wilson did not immediately comment on the agents boarding the Maersk Saltoro but previously stated that the owner and manager intend to "set the record straight" in court regarding the lawsuit.

(With inputs from agencies.)