A massive fire that erupted on Wednesday aboard a cargo ship docked at Port Newark in New Jersey continues to rage, and officials predict that it will persist for several more days. Tragically, two firefighters lost their lives while battling the blaze, while at least six others sustained injuries. The fire originated around 9:30 p.m. on the tenth floor of the Grande Costa D’Avorio, a vessel owned by the Grimaldi Group, before spreading to two floors above. Although the inferno remained confined to the upper decks, the U.S. Coast Guard and various local, state, and federal agencies are engaged in an arduous firefighting operation.
The cargo ship was in the process of loading vehicles when the fire broke out, and it was carrying around 1,200 vehicles and 157 containers destined for export, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Notably, none of the vehicles were electric. U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Zeita Merchant, commander for sector New York, emphasized the complexity of the ongoing firefight, which necessitates coordination between multiple agencies and salvage experts. The salvage operation entails considering long-term firefighting efforts, the vessel’s potential damage, destruction, and environmental impact. The firefighting teams are faced with unique challenges, including limited access, extreme heat within the steel structure, and the complexity of shipboard fires.
Efforts to stabilize the vessel and control the fire involve the de-watering process, which aims to remove the water being pumped in to extinguish the flames. Gordon Lorenson, a project manager from Donjon Marine, one of the salvage companies involved, highlighted the importance of achieving balance and stability for the ship. Unfortunately, the firefight claimed the lives of two Newark firefighters, Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks Jr., who were initially reported missing during the operation. This incident marks the first time in 16 years that Newark firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and the president of the Newark Firefighters Union expressed the need for potential changes in training protocols following this tragic event.
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