Car Carrier Ablaze

Fire at Sea

So, get this, a massive cargo ship named the Morning Midas, which was on its way to Mexico from China, caught fire out in the Pacific Ocean. This ship wasn’t just transporting any cargo; it was packed with over 3,000 vehicles, including about 70 electric cars. The fire broke out roughly 300 miles south of Adak, Alaska. It’s quite a sight to imagine, this 600-foot vessel with flames pouring out; no wonder the entire crew of 22 had to abandon ship!

Ongoing Salvage Ops

Now, what’s happening is a bit of classic maritime drama. The ship is drifting northeast at about 1.8 miles per hour, while salvage efforts are underway. The tugboat Gretchen Dunlap has arrived, carrying expert salvage crews who are assessing the damage. Two other vessels are expected to join in the operation soon. This entire endeavor is being managed by Zodiac Maritime with Resolve Marine leading the recovery efforts.

Burning Concerns

There’s a particular focus on those electric vehicles aboard the ship. These types of cars have a reputation for being a bit of a fire hazard under certain conditions, which certainly complicates the firefighting efforts. The origin of the fire was in the section where these electric vehicles were stored. Despite the crew’s best attempts to fight the blaze using onboard systems, the fire quickly got out of hand. It’s a stark reminder of how tricky shipping these vehicles can be, especially given past incidents with other cargo ships, like the infamous case of the Felicity Ace.

Comparisons and Expectations

Looking at other incidents, the dangers of shipping electric vehicles are becoming a hot topic—a bit like that previous event with the Felicity Ace that was carrying high-end models like Porsches and Lamborghinis. That ship ended up capsizing after burning for a couple of weeks. Now, it’s sparking discussions about whether maritime regulations need to evolve alongside the growing demand for EVs. Some shipping companies are even opting out of transporting electric vehicles altogether due to the perceived risk.

Future Implications

It’s clear that transporting electric cars across the vast oceans is a necessity. However, shipping methods need robust adjustments to safely handle these unique cargoes. As EVs gradually dominate the market, the logistics of moving them globally must innovate to prevent such fiery incidents.

Ongoing Updates

Efforts to manage the situation and prevent environmental impacts are ongoing, with the Coast Guard diligently working alongside the ship’s management. It’s a situation that will likely evolve over the coming days. Stay tuned as salvage operations continue, and updates on the currently burning vessel unfold.

Photos: U.S. Coast Guard