- All 23 crew evacuated safely with no injuries reported.
- Hazardous materials were discovered in multiple cargo bays.
- Firefighters were barred from below deck due to dangerous conditions.
A significant emergency was declared at the Port of Los Angeles after a fire erupted on the 1,100-foot container ship, the 1 Henry Hudson, leading to the evacuation of all 23 crew members. The trouble started with an electrical fire reported below deck at 6:38 p.m., and things escalated with a mid-deck explosion just before 8 p.m., which knocked out power and disrupted crane operations. Initially, officials reported that six crew members were missing, but thankfully, they were all located and safely evacuated, reports Marine Insight.
Hazardous Materials and Firefighting Challenges
The Los Angeles Fire Department noted that flames were visible on several levels, and hazardous materials were found in multiple cargo bays. Firefighters donned protective gear and closely monitored air quality throughout the operation. Due to the extreme danger, the incident command ordered crews to stay above deck. Over 100 firefighters and marine units worked tirelessly to cool the ship’s exterior, aiming to create safer conditions for everyone involved.
Response Efforts and Safety Measures
Drones equipped with thermal imaging were sent up to monitor heat levels. Officials reassured the public that the ship was not in danger of sinking, despite the heavy flow of water. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that first responders were actively working to suppress the fire while also keeping an eye on air quality. California Governor Gavin Newsom was kept in the loop and was coordinating efforts with local agencies.
Port Disruptions and Coast Guard Actions
At 10:30 p.m., the California Highway Patrol closed the Vincent Thomas Bridge until further notice. The U.S. Coast Guard set up a one-nautical-mile safety perimeter around the vessel. The Panamanian-flagged ship had just arrived from Tokyo on Wednesday. Fire crews continued to work through the night, but progress was slow due to the presence of hazardous materials and the challenging location of the fire.
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Source: Marine Insight
