In a developing maritime emergency in the mid-Pacific, the cargo ship Morning Midas was abandoned after a fire broke out on June 3, approximately 300 miles southwest of Adak, Alaska. This incident has attracted attention due to the vessel’s cargo, which includes over 3,000 vehicles—many of them electric and hybrid—and the efforts underway to ensure environmental and crew safety.
Timeline of Events
According to Zodiac Maritime, the managers of the Morning Midas, smoke was first detected around 2:00 PM local time on June 3. The smoke originated from a deck carrying electric vehicles, raising initial concerns about fire safety and possible electric vehicle-related hazards. The crew responded swiftly, activating firefighting protocols and deploying onboard fire suppression systems, all of which were operational at the time.
Due to the intensity of the fire and safety considerations, the crew evacuated the vessel in lifeboats, from which they were rescued by the containership Cosco Hellas. As of now, the ship remains afloat but continues to burn, with visible smoke captured in recent aerial images from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Challenges and Rescue Operations
Rescue and salvage efforts are ongoing:
- Salvage Team Deployment: A team from Resolve Marine is en route from the U.S. West Coast and is expected to arrive around June 9, approximately four days after the incident. The team will assess the vessel’s condition and implement necessary salvage operations.
- Monitoring Efforts: Until the arrival of the salvage team, Zodiac Maritime is monitoring the vessel remotely using satellite-connected systems, primarily tracking its position. However, real-time data on onboard conditions remain limited, complicating immediate response efforts.
- Additional Support: An ocean-going fire-fighting tug is being arranged to provide further support, including potential towing to aid in fire suppression and vessel stability.
Cargo Details and Voyage
Morning Midas was operating under charter for SAIC Anji Logistics, with its previous port calls in China. The vessel was en route to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, carrying an extensive cargo of 3,048 vehicles, including 70 fully electric and 681 hybrid vehicles. Brands aboard include models from Chery Automobile Co. and Great Wall Motor Co., emphasizing the significance of the incident regarding electric vehicle safety at sea.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Initial assessments from the U.S. Coast Guard indicate no visible pollution from the vessel thus far. However, the ongoing fire and the presence of electric vehicles raise concerns about potential environmental impacts should the cargo be compromised. Authorities and salvage teams are closely monitoring the situation to mitigate risks.
Conclusion
The Morning Midas incident underscores the critical importance of maritime safety protocols, especially when transporting high-value and potentially hazardous cargo such as electric vehicles. With rescue operations underway and ongoing remote monitoring, the focus remains on ensuring crew safety, preventing environmental damage, and salvaging the vessel.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as salvage efforts progress and more information becomes available about the vessel’s condition and the potential impact of this incident on maritime safety and electric vehicle transport.
