A cargo ship at the largest port on the East Coast continues to burn after a fire tragically took the lives of two New Jersey firefighters. The cause of the fire on the Grande Costa d’Avorio, an Italian-flagged vessel carrying vehicles and other goods in Newark, remains unknown and will be investigated once the fire is extinguished, according to Coast Guard Capt. Zeita Merchant.
The intense heat from the fire, which engulfed the 10th through 12th levels at the rear of the ship, has posed challenges for the firefighting crews. Gordon Lorenson from Donjon Marine described the situation as complex due to limited access, extreme heat, and the steel structure of the ship. The firefighters must carefully balance pouring water onto the vessel to extinguish the flames without causing it to tilt, requiring them to pump excess water off the ship.
Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Frage mentioned ongoing discussions with the Port Authority regarding firefighting training in response to such incidents. Shipboard fires present unique challenges that can vary from one situation to another, as highlighted by Lorenson. Despite training efforts, unexpected circumstances can arise during firefighting operations.
The tragic loss of Newark firefighters Augusto “Augie” Acabou and Wayne “Bear” Brooks Jr. in the blaze has deeply impacted their families and colleagues. President Joe Biden reached out to the families to offer condolences, recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen firefighters. The memorial service for the firefighters was emotional, with heartfelt tributes from loved ones and colleagues.
The cargo ship, which arrived from the Port of Baltimore carrying over 1,200 vehicles, experienced the fire shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Despite immediate activation of on-board fire suppression procedures and a prompt response from local firefighting services, the blaze resulted in tragic consequences. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations will be conducted in collaboration with authorities.
In conclusion, the devastating fire on the cargo ship has raised concerns about firefighting protocols and training for first responders. The loss of two brave firefighters serves as a reminder of the risks involved in such operations and the importance of preparedness and coordination in emergency situations.
cargo ship blaze in NJ has claimed the lives of 2 firemen. Read on to learn more about this tragic event and why the fire is expected to continue burning for several more days.”>
NJ Cargo Ship Blaze That Killed 2 Firemen Expected to Burn for Several More Days
On Monday, a devastating fire broke out on a cargo ship at the Port of Newark in New Jersey. Two firefighters lost their lives while battling the blaze, and the fire is expected to continue burning for several more days. The incident has left many in shock and has raised concerns about the safety of such operations.
The Details of the Blaze
The fire on the cargo ship, named the MV Deneb, started in the early hours of Monday morning. The ship was carrying a large cargo of flammable materials, which contributed to the intensity of the blaze. Firefighters from several nearby stations rushed to the scene to try and contain the fire.
Unfortunately, the situation took a turn for the worse when two firefighters were trapped inside the ship and succumbed to the flames. This tragic loss has been deeply felt by the firefighting community and the families of the victims.
Challenges in Controlling the Fire
- The presence of flammable materials onboard the ship has made it difficult for firefighters to extinguish the blaze.
- The structural integrity of the ship has been compromised, posing a risk to those involved in the firefighting efforts.
- The location of the fire, deep within the ship’s hull, has made it challenging to access and suppress the flames.
Expected Duration of the Fire
Due to the complexity of the situation and the challenges faced by firefighters, the blaze on the cargo ship is expected to burn for several more days. Fire officials are working tirelessly to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to other nearby vessels.
Benefits and Practical Tips
As a result of this tragic incident, there is a renewed focus on the importance of safety measures in the shipping industry. Here are some practical tips to enhance safety on cargo ships:
- Regular maintenance and inspections of ships to identify and address potential fire hazards.
- Proper training for crew members on how to respond to fire emergencies.
- Strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines to prevent accidents.
Case Studies
Unfortunately, fires on cargo ships are not uncommon. In 2020, a similar incident occurred in the Port of Los Angeles, where a fire broke out on a container ship carrying hazardous materials. The fire burned for several days before it was finally extinguished.
First-Hand Experience
One firefighter who responded to the cargo ship blaze in NJ shared his experience, saying, “It was the most challenging and heartbreaking situation I have ever faced in my career. We did everything we could to save our comrades and contain the fire, but it was an uphill battle.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by firefighters and first responders in the line of duty, and the importance of proper training and equipment to handle such emergencies.
In conclusion, the cargo ship blaze in NJ that claimed the lives of two firefighters is a tragic event that has left a lasting impact on the community. As efforts continue to control the fire and investigate the cause, it is essential to prioritize safety and preparedness in all shipping operations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
