Electrical Fire on Cargo Ship at Port of Los Angeles Contained After Massive Overnight Response

An electrical fire that erupted Friday evening on a cargo ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles is now listed as substantially contained, according to port officials. The fire broke out on a lower deck of the cargo vessel One Henry Hudson around 6:38 p.m., prompting a massive multi-agency response involving more than 180 firefighters.

The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that an explosion shook the vessel shortly before 8 p.m., cutting power to lights and cranes on board. All 23 crew members were safely evacuated, and no injuries have been reported.

LAFD spokesperson Capt. Erik Scott said the ship was moved overnight and escorted beyond the Vincent Thomas Bridge around 3 a.m. Saturday. The port, which describes itself as the busiest in North America, temporarily suspended operations at four of its seven container terminals Friday night. All terminals resumed operations Saturday morning.

Firefighters continued cooling operations via fire boats, focusing on sections of the ship where several cargo containers carried hazardous materials. Crews wore specialized protective suits and oxygen masks as they worked through the night. Air quality was monitored throughout the response.

At 11 p.m. Friday, LAFD crews were ordered off the deck for safety, and by midnight, authorities advised residents in nearby San Pedro and Wilmington to shelter in place. That order has since been lifted, with officials noting that the fire is no longer burning with the same intensity.

The Long Beach Fire Department, Los Angeles Port Police, and the U.S. Coast Guard are also assisting in the effort. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city is closely monitoring the situation, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed.

The Panama-flagged cargo ship, built in 2008, had recently arrived from Tokyo according to Vessel Finder. CNN has requested comment from the ship’s management company, Fukujin Kisen.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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