Cargo Ship Blaze at Port Newark Kills Two N.J. Firefighters
Smoke rises from the Grande Costa d’Avorio early July 6 on the Port of Newark. (WABC-TV through Related Press)
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
NEWARK, N.J. — Two firefighters had been killed and 5 others injured battling a blaze that started deep inside a docked cargo ship at Port Newark carrying greater than a thousand automobiles, officers stated July 6.
Responding firefighters discovered 5 to seven automobiles already on hearth once they reached the tenth ground of the cargo ship round 9:30 p.m. the evening of July 5. The blaze shortly prolonged to the eleventh and twelfth flooring, and as firefighters had been pushed again by the extreme warmth, two of them had been misplaced, Newark Hearth Chief Rufus Jackson stated at a information convention on the port, the place the hearth was nonetheless burning July 6.
Firefighters weren’t initially capable of finding their colleagues. Outdoors rescue firms from across the state had been referred to as in. Augusto “Augie” Acabou, 45, and Wayne “Bear” Brooks Jr., 49, had been discovered and faraway from the construction however sadly they misplaced their lives, Jackson stated.
Three Newark firefighters and two Elizabeth firefighters had been handled for accidents together with smoke inhalation. All had been anticipated to recuperate, however their names and particulars on their situations weren’t disclosed.
Marine site visitors trackers present the Italian-flagged Grande Costa d’Avorio, which was inbuilt 2011, arrived from the Port of Baltimore a number of days earlier. Grimaldi Deep Sea stated the hearth broke out on the ship’s tenth deck as its 28 crew members and native stevedores had been finishing the loading of greater than 1,200 new and used automobiles, vans and vans certain for West Africa. Not one of the automobiles had been electrical automobiles.
Acabou (left) and Brooks Jr.
The corporate’s assertion stated the crew instantly activated on-board hearth suppression procedures and the native firefighting service was alerted, triggering a immediate response that was essential to containing and controlling the blaze. It additionally stated that no hazardous cargo is on board, no gas spills have been detected, and the soundness of the ship was not compromised.
The Grimaldi Group assertion stated the reason for the hearth isn’t identified, however it’s going to examine in cooperation with authorities.
“Our hearts are heavy at the moment as we mourn the lack of two Newark firefighters who made the final word sacrifice within the line of responsibility,” Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy stated in a press release.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka referred to as it “tragic for all firefighters who know what it means to go in a burning construction in a hazard that you’re going to need to expertise once you accomplish that.”
Shipboard firefighting is a singular talent and Newark firefighters don’t generally face this type of hearth, Jackson stated. He stated they educated on ships earlier than, nevertheless it was a vessel that had compartments and dwelling quarters, not a ship like this.
“Though it is a troublesome hearth, a unique sort of fireside, they’re nonetheless keen to place themselves on the road for others,” the chief stated. “This can be a distinctive service that we’re in. We love what we do. We love one another and we defend one another. It’s unlucky when we’ve got loss. This can be a tragedy. That is one thing that I as a chief by no means wish to face, however we’ve got to be there, we’ve got to be robust for the household at this level.”
The Nationwide Transportation Security Board stated July 6 that it’s going to examine the ship hearth, however the Coast Guard is taking the lead, stated Jennifer Gabris, an NTSB spokeswoman. The NTSB has authority to research maritime accidents.
Need extra information? Hearken to at the moment’s day by day briefing beneath or go right here for more information:
