BALTIMORE — The massive container ship that caused the deadly collapse of a Baltimore bridge had apparent electrical problems before leaving port but left anyway, according to someone familiar with the situation, hours after the FBI announced that it was investigating whether any laws had been broken.

The Dali left Baltimore’s dock early on March 26, packed with cargo bound for Sri Lanka, when it collided with one of the Francis Scott Key Bridge’s supports, causing the bridge to fall into the Patapsco River and killing six roadwork crew members. Three of their bodies were recovered.

According to someone familiar with the circumstances, the Dali had clear electrical faults before leaving the port. The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss, stated that alarms went out on the ship’s refrigerated containers while it was still stopped in Baltimore, signaling an inconsistent power supply.

Ship That Caused Bridge Collapse Had Apparent Electrical Issues While Still Docked, AP Source Says

According to the source, the ship’s crew was aware of the difficulties and stated that they would be rectified.

The National Transportation Safety Board’s probe will include determining whether the ship had power issues before embarking on its journey.

Last Monday, Board Chair Jennifer Homendy stated that the probe focuses on the ship’s electrical system in general. Videos of the ship’s lights turning off and then coming back on show that there were power issues just before the accident.

Homendy stated that the information obtained from the vessel’s voyage data recorder is rudimentary, “so that information in the engine room will help us tremendously.”

According to a third source acquainted with the situation, the FBI is initiating a criminal investigation into the bridge collapse, focusing on the circumstances leading up to it and whether all federal laws were followed. The individual was not authorized to disclose details of the inquiry publicly and talked with the AP on the condition of anonymity.

According to a statement, FBI agents were aboard the cargo ship on Monday carrying out court-authorized law enforcement activities. The Washington Post was the first to report on the investigation, and the statement made no further explanations or comments.

Meanwhile, Mayor Brandon Scott announced a cooperation with two law firms on Monday to “launch legal action to hold the wrongdoers responsible” and limit harm to Baltimore residents. He said the city must act promptly to safeguard its interests.

Ship That Caused Bridge Collapse Had Apparent Electrical Issues While Still Docked, AP Source Says

Scott stated that the city “will take decisive action to hold accountable all entities responsible for the Key Bridge tragedy,” including the owner, operator, and manufacturer of the cargo ship Dali. The ship began its journey approximately a half-hour before losing power and straying off course.

The Dali is managed by Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd., both of which are from Singapore. Maersk, the Danish shipping firm, chartered the Dali.

Synergy and Grace Ocean filed a court petition shortly after the collapse to restrict their legal exposure – a standard practice in situations involving US maritime law. Their joint complaint attempts to limit the firms’ liability to approximately $43.6 million. It estimates that the vessel is worth up to $90 million and owes more than $1.1 million in freight income. The estimate excludes two significant expenses: at least $28 million in repair charges and $19.5 million in salvage costs.

“Due to the gravity of the incident, various government agencies are conducting investigations, and we are fully cooperating,” Synergy spokesperson Darrell Wilson said in a statement Monday. “Out of respect for these investigations and any future legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

The firms filed their petition using a provision of an 1851 maritime statute that permits them to restrict their obligation to the worth of the vessel’s remnants following a tragedy.

Attorneys representing some of the deceased and a worker who survived the fall claimed Monday that the ship’s owners and managers are using an “archaic law” to safeguard their assets.

“Imagine telling that to a grieving family…” “While they’re planning a funeral, the owner of the boat is in court,” attorney L. Chris Stewart said at a news conference in Baltimore.

Ship That Caused Bridge Collapse Had Apparent Electrical Issues While Still Docked, AP Source Says

The road crew had “absolutely zero warning” in the moments before the collapse, Stewart said, even though a last-minute mayday call from the ship’s pilot allowed adjacent police officers to block vehicles from attempting to cross the bridge. Three workers’ bodies remain missing as crews continue the risky operation of extracting big slabs of steel from the river.

Julio Cervantes, who survived plunging from the bridge, narrowly avoided drowning by rolling down the window of his work vehicle and struggling through the chilly water despite his inability to swim, according to attorneys. He clung to the wreckage until he was rescued.

“This was all preventable,” Stewart stated. “That is why we were brought in to investigate and find out what has happened and give these families a voice.”

The probes come days after more than two dozen river barges broke loose and collided with a closed span in Pittsburgh, raising fears about the safety of thousands of bridges around the country.

SOURCE – (AP)

Tel Aviv, Israel – Iran’s extraordinary attack on Israel early Sunday heightened regional tensions, confirming long-held fears that the Israel-Hamas war will escalate into a larger conflagration. However, Iran, Israel, the US, and Hamas all made advances.

Here’s a peek at the aftermath.

As more than 300 drones and missiles approached in the early hours of Sunday, the country was able to effectively test its aerial defense system, which, with assistance from partners, stopped 99% of the projectiles and avoided serious damage.

Iran’s attack on Israel raises fears of a wider war, but all sides have also scored gains

In contrast, when Hamas rushed from Gaza into Israel on October 7, armed forces suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of a significantly less equipped enemy. That dealt a significant blow to Israel’s image as a regional military force, shattering any illusions of invincibility. The response to Iran’s attack could be what restores faith in the country’s military, even though its forces are still trapped in Gaza more than six months after Israel started war on Hamas there.

The country has also boasted about the coalition of forces that helped it resist the Iranian attack. It’s a much-needed display of support at a time when Israel is most isolated due to worries over its actions during the conflict against Hamas, including a deteriorating humanitarian catastrophe and a staggering death toll in Gaza.

Iran repeatedly pledged to respond to a suspected strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus on April 1, which killed two generals. Sunday’s assault allowed Iran to demonstrate to its populace that it will not stand by while its assets are targeted and that it meant business when it threatened retaliation.

With its strike, Iran was able to demonstrate its formidable weaponry, induce terror in some Israelis, and disrupt the lives of many through school closures. However, with little actual damage suffered in Israel, Iran may expect a restrained response. Iran announced the operation’s end several hours after the drones and missiles were launched.

Iran’s attack on Israel raises fears of a wider war, but all sides have also scored gains

The United States played a major role in repelling the onslaught, proving to its allies worldwide the strength and dependability of American backing.

Now, as the country considers how and if to respond, that partnership will be tested, the Biden administration will attempt to impose leverage on Israel and prevent it from carrying out a retaliation that could exacerbate the crisis.

Hamas, which Iran sponsors, hailed the attack on the country. Since beginning its October 7 offensive, Hamas had hoped that regional allies would rush to its aid and pull Israel into a larger conflict. While others have intervened, notably the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Yemen’s Houthis, Iran did not directly enter the conflict until Sunday.

Iran’s attack on Israel raises fears of a wider war, but all sides have also scored gains

Hamas may believe that the attack is the first step toward greater Iranian involvement in the Gaza conflict. It might also hope that unrest in the West Bank, where a teenager was slain and settlers rampaged through Palestinian towns, continues to escalate. At the absolute least, Iran’s attack may have emboldened Hamas to dig in its heels in current cease-fire discussions, thinking that increased military pressure on them may persuade it to accept the militant group’s tougher criteria for an agreement.

SOURCE – (AP)

NEW DELHI—Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his Hindu nationalist party’s election strategy on Sunday, promising to increase social spending, improve infrastructure, and transform India into a global manufacturing hub as businesses shift away from China.

Modi wants to return to power for a third five-year term. He and other Bharatiya Janata Party officials announced their promises in the world’s largest democracy just days before a multi-phase general election.

India’s Modi Vows To Boost Social Spending, Make Country Into A Manufacturing Hub Ahead Of Election

Modi promised to expand social initiatives implemented during his party’s 10-year rule, such as millions of free homes for the underprivileged, health care, cooking gas, and free grain. His government has provided needy farmers with 6,000 rupees ($73) per year.

He claimed his government’s efforts had lifted 250 million people out of poverty since he took office in 2014. India is the world’s most populated country, with more than 1.4 billion inhabitants. J.P. Nadda, the BJP’s president, stated that less than 1% of Indians today live in abject poverty.

India’s elections take place over several days and last many weeks. Voting for the country’s parliament will begin on April 19 and continue until June 1, with results revealed on June 4.

India’s Modi Vows To Boost Social Spending, Make Country Into A Manufacturing Hub Ahead Of Election

Most polls forecast a victory for Modi and the BJP. However, the opposition Congress Party claims that Modi has damaged India’s democracy and favored the interests of the wealthy.

Modi has been campaigning widely around the country to increase India’s GDP to $5 trillion by 2027 from $3.7 trillion. He also promised to put India on track to become a developed country by 2047, when the country will celebrate its 100th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule.

On Sunday, he announced that his party would make India a hub for the pharmaceutical, energy, semiconductor, and tourism industries. He also stated that India will improve its infrastructure, which includes railways, airports, and canals. He also stated that he would work to create job opportunities for young people and provide young entrepreneurs with access to low-cost loans.

Modi enjoys widespread support in India, where he is regarded as a champion of the country’s Hindu majority and has overseen significant economic progress.

India’s Modi Vows To Boost Social Spending, Make Country Into A Manufacturing Hub Ahead Of Election

However, detractors argue that another term for the BJP might weaken India’s position as a secular, democratic society, citing Hindu nationalist attacks on the country’s minorities, particularly Muslims, as well as a narrowing space for dissent and free media.

SOURCE – (AP)