Rescue Efforts Underway as Fire Engulfs Vehicle Carrier Off Alaska
An intense fire aboard the Morning Midas, a roll-on, roll-off ferry transporting vehicles from China to Mexico, led to the rescue of 22 sailors off the coast of Alaska. Operated by Zodiac Maritime, the ship was carrying approximately 3,000 vehicles, including 800 electric ones. Despite the crew's efforts to contain the blaze using onboard systems, the situation spiraled out of control, prompting an emergency evacuation. Nearby vessels responded swiftly to the distress call, rescuing all mariners involved. The incident highlights the challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires and underscores the need for advanced firefighting techniques in maritime operations.
The Morning Midas, located roughly 304 miles south of Adak, Alaska, faced a critical situation when smoke began emanating from a deck loaded with electric vehicles. According to reports, the fire ignited around midnight UTC on June 3rd. The vessel's crew immediately initiated firefighting protocols but were unable to suppress the flames due to the unique properties of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries, commonly found in electric vehicles, pose significant risks when exposed to water, particularly saltwater, which can cause short circuits leading to thermal runaway—a phenomenon where batteries overheat uncontrollably.
Battery fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish once ignited. They burn hotter and faster than conventional fires and have been known to reignite even after being seemingly doused. This characteristic poses substantial challenges for firefighters both on land and at sea. For instance, during Hurricane Milton's approach to Florida last year, State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis warned about the dangers of electric cars submerged in floodwaters, describing them as "ticking time bombs." In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, nearly 50 fires were attributed to lithium-ion batteries, with 11 specifically linked to electric vehicles.
Such incidents are not unprecedented. In 2022, the Felicity Ace, another vehicle transporter, caught fire due to a suspected short circuit in a Porsche's lithium battery. Although the crew escaped safely, attempts to tow the vessel failed, and it eventually sank in the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the loss of almost 4,000 luxury cars. Japanese shipping line Mitsui O.S.K subsequently filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen and its insurers over the disaster.
Zodiac Maritime, the operator of the Morning Midas, is collaborating closely with emergency responders to prevent a similar catastrophe. A tugboat has been deployed to assist in salvage and firefighting operations. The company's primary focus remains ensuring the safety of the crew and safeguarding the marine environment. As the world increasingly adopts electric vehicles, such incidents highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures and specialized firefighting capabilities in the maritime industry.