Report: Dali Set Out Despite Electrical Issues

The massive container ship that caused the deadly collapse of a Baltimore bridge experienced apparent electrical issues before it left port but set out anyway, someone with knowledge of the situation told the AP on Monday, hours after the FBI said it was investigating whether any laws might have been broken. The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to comment, said alarms went off on the ship's refrigerated containers while it was still docked in Baltimore, likely indicating an inconsistent power supply. The ship's crew was aware of the issues and indicated they would be addressed, according to the person.

Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board have said their investigation will include an inquiry into whether the ship experienced power issues before starting its voyage. Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said last week that the investigation is focused on the ship's electrical system generally. The ship experienced power issues moments before the crash, as is evident in videos that show its lights going out and coming back on. Homendy said information gleaned from the vessel's voyage data recorder is relatively basic, "so that information in the engine room will help us tremendously."

(More Baltimore bridge collapse stories.)