NTSB Investigating Sinking Of El Faro

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WJZ) -- The National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating the circumstances that led up to a massive cargo ship sinking in the Atlantic during Hurricane Joaquin.

Derek Valcourt has more from investigators and the latest on the search for survivors.

They'll be looking into whether mechanical problems and possible human errors played a role in the tragedy, even as the desperate search for survivors continues.

So far, news from the search for survivors of the ill-fated El Faro cargo ship has not been good.

So far, rescue crews scoured 70,000 nautical miles but have only found badly damaged life boats, cargo containers and the remains of one unidentified body.

But the Coast Guard hasn't given up.

"We're not going to discount somebody's will to survive and that is why we are still searching today," said Capt. Mark Fedor.

Destiny Sparrow is the daughter of 49-year-old Baltimore native Frank Hamm---one of the 33 crew members. Like many of the families, they're holding out hope for a miracle, while demanding answers from El Faro's owners.

"They knew that the storm was coming. Why still send them out? That makes no sense; that doesn't make no sense for nobody," Destiny Sparrow said.

Hamm was not El Faro's only connection to Baltimore. Port officials confirm in the past, from time to time, El Faro would park at a private facility between trips, when it wasn't in use.

The 790-foot vessel left Tuesday from Jacksonsille, Florida---headed straight into the path of Hurricane Joaquin, which strengthened to a category four as it reached El Faro.

Captain Michael Davidson sent a distress call that the ship's engines had died. It was leaning 15 degrees and taking on water, all while being battered by towering waves and powerful winds.

Now NTSB officials will be looking to answer some key questions.

"What happened, why it happened," said Bella Dinh-Zarr. "Ultimately to prevent this from happening again."

They say recovering the ship's voyage data recorder will be a top priority.

Investigators say in addition to interviewing key personnel from the company that operated the El Faro, they'll also be closely inspecting all maintenance records for the ship.

Crew member Frank Hamm graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1984 and attended Morgan State University. Many of their Baltimore family members have already traveled down to Florida to comfort and support his wife and children.