The fire that broke out on June 3 aboard the car carrier Morning Midas, reportedly on a cargo deck containing electric vehicles, has now been brought under control. According to salvage crews, there are no signs of ongoing combustion.
The specialized firefighting tug Garth Foss arrived on scene on June 15, taking over from Gretchen Dunlap, which had been stationed there since June 9. A third long-range capable tug is expected to join the operation in the coming week.
“Thermal imaging and visual inspections revealed no signs of active fire aboard the vessel,” said responders aboard Garth Foss. “There are no indications of water pollution, and the ship remains watertight.”
The incident occurred during the vessel’s voyage from Yantai, China to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico. After smoke was detected, all 22 crew members were safely evacuated and rescued by the passing commercial vessel Cosco Hellas.
The 600-foot ship was carrying 3,159 vehicles, including 65 fully electric and 681 partially hybrid electric vehicles, along with approximately 350 metric tons of gas fuel and 1,530 metric tons of very low sulfur fuel oil.
Resolve Marine, appointed by ship manager Zodiac Maritime, is executing the comprehensive salvage and safety plan under the supervision of the U.S. Coast Guard. Pollution control assets remain on standby as a precaution.
