All but three of the families of those lost in the sinking of El Faro have now reached terms to settle their wrongful death claims against the ship’s owner and operator.
33 lives were lost when El Faro went down in Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015. The cargo ship out of Jacksonville was heavily loaded on its voyage to San Juan. In the Captain’s final shoreside communication, he reported losing propulsion and heavily listing.
GALLERY: Tributes to the El Faro crew
A Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation held three public hearing sessions in Jacksonville to look in to factors that contributed to the sinking, and the NTSB is investigating as well. Both entities will issue independent findings, although there's no timeline for either.
FULL COVERAGE: El Faro sinking
Federal court records show the estate of Lonnie Jordan has now settled with TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico and TOTE Services. The records reflect the same general terms that other families have agreed to- $500,000 in pre-death pain and suffering and an undisclosed amount for economic loss. Now 30 of 33 families involved have come to terms.