CNBNews

Video image  courtesy of the Elizabeth Police Department

PORT NEWARK, New Jersey (July 6, 2023)---(CNBNews) – The Coast Guard, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Newark Fire Department, and Gallagher Marine Systems, the representative for the ship operator, have established a Unified Command in Port Newark, supported by a host of federal, state and local emergency response agencies. The Unified Command was established to continue its response to the fire aboard the cargo vessel Grande Costa D’Avorio, which caught fire Wednesday night around 9:30 PM.

The Unified Command’s operational priorities are ensuring the public's and first responders' safety, conducting fire suppression, protecting the environment, and ensuring any economic or operational activities in the port area are minimally affected.

Currently, firefighting crews are working to extinguish the fire from the pier and the waterside. Crews are working to gain access to the vessel's upper decks, which is believed to be the primary source of the ongoing fire.

Unfortunately, as of Thursday afternoon, two fatalities and six injuries have been sustained due to responding to the fire aboard the vessel. The Newark Fire Department and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are conducting air quality monitoring to ensure safe working conditions and public safety.

“On behalf of the Unified Command, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of the two firefighters who tragically lost their lives and those injured during the response,” said Capt. Zeita Merchant, Captain of the Port of New York and Jersey. “We continue to work closely with our partner agencies and neighboring jurisdictions. Together, we are pooling our resources, expertise, and equipment to enhance the safety of all responders and maximize the effectiveness of our response efforts.”

The vessel was completing cargo operations of loading automobiles onto the vessel when the fire began. The crew of the vessel immediately activated the onboard fire suppression procedures while the local fire department was alerted.

The vessel reportedly carries 1,200 vehicles and 157 containers scheduled to be exported. There are reportedly no electric vehicles or hazardous cargo aboard.

At this time, the cause of the fire is under investigation. A formal investigation will be conducted to identify what caused the fire, and all parties at the federal, state, and local levels and the owners are working closely together during this process.

Coast Guard Press Release