Cover Image: ©US Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is responding to a fire aboard the car carrier Morning Midas, located approximately 340 miles southwest of Adak, Alaska.
The incident occurred on 3 June, when a distress alert was received reporting a fire on the 600-foot, Liberian-flagged vessel, which was carrying 3,048 vehicles, including 70 fully electric vehicles (EVs) and 681 hybrid vehicles.
Upon receiving the alert, USCG watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, prompting three nearby vessels to respond.
The 22 crew members evacuated safely in a lifeboat and were rescued by the crew of the motor vessel Cosco Hellas. The USCG confirmed that all crew members were rescued with no injuries.
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The USCG stated: “As the search and rescue portion of our response concludes, our crews are working closely with the vessel’s manager, Zodiac Maritime, to determine the disposition of the vessel. We are grateful for the selfless actions of the three nearby vessels who assisted in the response and the crew of motor vessel Cosco Hellas, who helped save 22 lives.”
As of 5 June, the USCG reported that smoke was still emanating from the vessel, but there were no indications of listing or water ingress.
The extent of the damage remains unknown, and the vessel’s status continues to be monitored by both the USCG and Zodiac Maritime.
The Morning Midas is estimated to have approximately 350 metric tonnes of gas fuel and 1,530 metric tonnes of very low sulphur fuel oil onboard. Recovery efforts are being coordinated with Zodiac Maritime, and a salvage tug is en route, expected to arrive around 9 June.
