Images Of El Faro's Wreckage Have Been Released

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- For the first time, we are getting a rare glimpse at one of the most devastating shipwrecks in US history. El Faro sank in October, killing the 33 crew members on board.

Tracey Leong has the latest on this investigation.

Taken down in the Bermuda triangle, the loved ones of those El Faro crew members are demanding answers.

Eerie underwater images of the El Faro wreckage have been released. For the first time, we are getting a rare look at the ship's remains. It's resting deeper than the Titanic.

"At the end of the day, what it is that you really want to do is bring answers back, help bring closure to the families," said US Navy Captain Gregg Baumann.

Thirty-three men and women were never seen again after El Faro embarked on its final voyage.

"It's tough to bring close when you don't have any remains," said Gordon Outlaw.

Outlaw's nephew, Baltimore native Frank Hamm, was on board. Family members held out hope he would be found alive. Outlaw says Hamm's wife is still hoping for that miracle.

In October, the cargo ship was taken down by the powerful Hurricane Joaquin. El Faro was more than 40 years old and frequently docked here in Baltimore. Loved ones wondered why the ship even continued on its path from Florida to Puerto Rico in these dangerous conditions.

"With this 104 to 150 mile an hour winds and 50 foot waves, it's just unthinkable," said Outlaw. "You talk about the perfect storm."

"Just to see the violence of the sea and the winds that would have to occur to cause that event," said NTSB lead investigator Tom Roth-Roffy.

Investigators believe the ship was mercilessly beaten by the storm. Cargo from El Faro littered the sea floor; the black box is still unaccounted for.

The NTSB says it could take up to a year to answer the remaining questions and find out what sank El Faro's final voyage.

The El Faro was owned by Sea Star Line LLC and operated by Tote Services.