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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard reported that a large cargo ship, the Genius Star XI, had a fire in its hold while anchored 2 miles off the Alaska coast on Saturday. The fire started in cargo hold No. 1 as the vessel was carrying a load of lithium-ion batteries from Vietnam to San Diego. Efforts are being undertaken to extinguish the flames, and the 19 crew members aboard the ship are reported to be safe, with no injuries.
The vessel is currently anchored in Broad Bay, near Dutch Harbor, Alaska. After being moved to Broad Bay for weather avoidance based on a recommendation from an Alaska Marine Pilot and the Salvage Master aboard the vessel, the Genius Star XI was moored on a prepositioned mooring buoy. Assessment teams on-site have reported that air quality remains normal and there is no indication of heat in or around the cargo holds.
The U.S. Coast Guard has been monitoring the conditions in the vessel’s cargo hold for more than 24 hours and has confirmed that there is no active fire or immediate risk aboard the cargo ship Genius Star XI. The vessel reported fires in its number 1 and 2 holds due to the load of lithium-ion batteries it was transporting while crossing the Pacific bound for San Diego, California.
The vessel will keep its engines in warm status and has a tug standing by in the event that weather requires additional relocation. A one-mile safety zone around the vessel remains in place, and mariners who wish to enter that zone shall request permission on VHF Channel 16.
The safety of the crew members and the ongoing efforts to extinguish the fire remain a top priority for the U.S. Coast Guard as they continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the status of the cargo ship.
As the situation develops, the U.S. Coast Guard is taking all necessary precautions and measures to ensure the safety of the crew and to mitigate any potential risks to the environment.
