Salvage team races to control burning cargo ship off Alaska's coast
- The Coast Guard received a distress alert about a fire aboard the Morning Midas on Tuesday.
- The ship was carrying about 3,000 vehicles and all crew members were evacuated unharmed.
- A salvage team is en route to assess damage and manage the situation following the fire.
In Alaska, a distress alert was issued on Tuesday at around 3:15 p.m. regarding a fire on the cargo ship Morning Midas, which was approximately 300 miles southwest of Adak Island. The vessel, which is 600 feet long and was built in 2006, was en route to Mexico carrying around 3,000 vehicles, including 70 fully electric and approximately 680 hybrid vehicles. All 22 crew members were safely evacuated and remained unharmed thanks to the swift assistance of a nearby merchant vessel. The fire has raised concerns regarding the safety of transporting electric and hybrid vehicles, given their unique risks during such incidents. The ship's management company, Zodiac Maritime, has taken precautions by monitoring the ship through onboard satellite systems as it continues to emit smoke. A salvage team is expected to arrive soon to assess the damage and begin cleanup operations. This incident comes as a reminder of the maritime industry’s need for improved emergency response measures, especially considering similar past incidents. The anticipated salvage operation will include specialists and equipment necessary to manage the situation effectively, ensuring that no further environmental damage occurs. A second tugboat with firefighting capabilities is being arranged to assist in extinguishing the fire if needed. As the situation develops, the authorities remain attentive to the safety of the surrounding marine environment and are prepared for any outcomes during the salvage efforts. Events like this underscore the inherent risks linked to maritime transport, especially when cargoes include batteries and electric vehicles. Historical incidents involving the combustion of similar materials highlight the importance of robust safety protocols. The Morning Midas's predicament is not only significant from a logistical standpoint but emphasizes an urgent need for updating maritime safety standards across international shipping routes, particularly in waters prone to such fire threats.