Investigators from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have boarded the ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key bridge and recovered its data recorder.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy told CNN the recorder from the Dali will be analysed and the agency will also examine whether dirty fuel played a role in the ship’s power loss as part of its investigation into Tuesday’s collision.

She also said that interviews with crew from the vessel will begin on Wednesday.

“With respect to those on the vessel, we will also interview fire and rescue and people that were on the bridge as well,” she told CNN.

It comes as rescue teams return to waters near the bridge searching for six people who are still missing following the disaster.

Authorities say it is presumed that the missing members of a construction team who were fixing potholes on the bridge at the time of its collapse are dead.

Rescue efforts were halted overnight due to poor conditions but Maryland State Police spokesperson Elena Russo confirmed recovery efforts were once again underway early Wednesday morning local time.

Police had stopped traffic on the bridge just before the crash and said there is no evidence that anyone went into the water other than the workers.

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told CNN any private company found to be responsible for the crash would be held accountable.

He also said he was unsure when the Patapsco River channel would reopen but efforts were underway with several parties including the US Coast Guard to make it happen quickly.

“Not only do we need to get those ships in, there are some ships that are already in there that can’t get out. So, it’s very important to get that channel open,” Mr Buttigieg said.

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