NTSB Video Details the Investigation of the Sinking of U.S. Cargo Vessel El Faro

The stern of the El Faro is shown on the ocean floor taken from an underwater video camera on November 1, 2015. Courtesy National Transportation Safety Board/Handout

The investigation into the sinking of American cargo ship El Faro was one of the most complicated maritime investigations ever undertaken by the National Transportation Safety Board.

In this 15 minute video, the NTSB summarizes the 2-year investigation into the October 1, 2015 sinking of the ship and the loss of all 33 mariners aboard.

It also examines the NTSB’s determination of the cause of the accident and discusses associated recommendations to improve marine safety, as well as highlights the three missions undertaken to retrieve the voyage data recorder and document the wreckage at a depth of 15,000 feet beneath the ocean surface.

More Reading on the NTSB’s El Faro Investigation:

• NTSB’s Final Report from the El Faro Investigation 
• NTSB Breaks Down El Faro Findings in Must-Read Illustrated Digest

Updated: May 2, 2023 (Originally published September 18, 2018)

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