JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to release another preliminary report in its investigation of the El Faro tragedy on Tuesday, according to Florida Senator Bill Nelson.
Nelson gave remarks on the Senate floor Monday, updating lawmakers on the facts of the incident and vowing to get answers.
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UNCUT: Senator Nelson's remarks on El Faro
"It's been a tremendous loss for us. Not a loss of that cargo, which was certainly an economic loss. It's the loss of 33 lives and especially it's a loss of the families and friends who knew and loved the crew of El Faro," said Senator Nelson.
Nelson praised the Coast Guard for its search and rescue efforts but acknowledged the challenges it faced when searching for El Faro.
"It took, since the hurricane was still in the vicinity, it took our search and rescue efforts another two days for it to subside enough so the U.S. Coast Guard could get in there supplemented by the Navy and start looking for survivors," said Senator Nelson.
Nelson said the loss of the El Faro and its crew members raises many questions such as: why didn't the captain and crew know Hurricane Joaquin had become a hurricane three hours before they left the port of Jacksonville? What caused the captain to think he could sail in that direction?
"I know we want all of the answers right now. It's important a thorough examination is conducted to find out what happened. For the families and friends of those lost on the El Faro and safety of all mariners, we're going to make sure we get the answers," Nelson said.