—
The U.S. Coast Guard is swiftly mobilizing resources to address a cargo ship fire near Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The fire, which was initially reported early Thursday morning, continues to pose a challenge as the 410-foot vessel, Genius Star XI, carries lithium-ion batteries.
The T&T Salvage marine firefighting team is currently aboard the vessel, providing regular temperature readings in the cargo hold. Their assessment confirms the safety of the crew on board and indicates a stable condition of the vessel with no sign of heat in the cargo holds.
In the wake of the incident, the Unified Command, comprising the Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Gallagher Marine Systems, and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, is working collaboratively to address this emergency. The vessel was instructed to move closer to the shore to maintain a safe observation zone, as efforts to contain the ongoing fire continue.
The fire, while contained, is a cause for concern due to the presence of lithium-ion batteries on board. The origin of the fire is yet to be determined. Despite the severity of the situation, no injuries among the 19-member crew have been reported so far, mitigating the potential impact of the incident.
As the response to the cargo ship fire near Dutch Harbor, Alaska, remains ongoing, the Unified Command is focused on ensuring the safety of the crew and assessing the condition of the vessel. The coordinated efforts of multiple entities, including the Coast Guard and the marine firefighting team, are vital in managing the situation and averting potential environmental hazards.
The cargo vessel, en route from Vietnam to Dutch Harbor, encountered this perilous situation approximately 225 miles southwest of the harbor. With the containment of the fire and the ongoing assessment of the vessel’s condition, the response efforts are aimed at securing the safety of the crew and preventing any further escalation of the situation.
The U.S. Coast Guard’s swift response and the coordinated efforts of the Unified Command exemplify the crucial role of emergency response teams in managing maritime incidents. The ongoing collaboration among these entities underscores the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding the well-being of individuals and the marine environment.
