Rescue operation for a burning car carrier in the Pacific Ocean

The cargo ship Morning Midas, operated by Zodiac Maritime, has been abandoned and continues to burn in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 300 miles southwest of Adak Island, Alaska. According to the latest data from a US Coast Guard overflight, the ship remains afloat, with smoke continuing to emanate from its interior.

Zodiac Maritime has appointed the salvage company Resolve Marine to respond to the fire. However, due to the remoteness of the location - approximately 300 miles from Adak Island - it will take several days for the tugs to reach the abandoned ship. The first tug, carrying a team of rescuers and specialized equipment, is expected to arrive at the site around June 9. There, it will assess the condition of the ship and provide the necessary assistance. An additional tug for firefighting and open-sea towing has also been engaged to provide additional support.

Meanwhile, the managers will continue to monitor the abandoned ship through the onboard systems connected to satellite tracking, but will have limited ability to monitor the conditions on board.

The fire on board the Morning Midas, built in 2006 and sailing under the Liberian flag, broke out around 00:00 UTC on June 3. Zodiac Maritime praised the actions of the crew, who had tried to extinguish the fire and activate the onboard firefighting systems, which were "fully functional." However, due to the intensity of the fire and to prioritize the safety of the crew, the decision was made to abandon the ship. The crew was evacuated into two lifeboats and rescued by the nearby ship Cosco Hellas.

The cargo of Morning Midas included 3,048 vehicles, of which 70 were fully electric and 861 were hybrid. According to an earlier statement from Zodiac, the fire originated from the deck carrying the electric vehicles.

Fires on car carriers and container ships caused by lithium-ion batteries are an increasing problem for the industry and insurers, due to the difficulties in controlling them.