ONE Containership Fire Persists at Port of Los Angeles

A persistent ONE containership fire continues to challenge fire crews at the Port of Los Angeles, several days after it initially ignited. The incident, involving the ONE Henry Hudson, began as an electrical fire below deck, prompting a significant emergency response from Los Angeles and Long Beach fire departments. While initial dangers to the surrounding communities have passed, fire suppression efforts remain ongoing as the vessel was moved to the Long Beach anchorage. This maritime incident highlights the complexities of tackling shipboard fires.

Vessel Details and Fire Origin

The vessel in question, the ONE Henry Hudson, a 98,849 dwt containership built in 2009 with a capacity of 8,212 TEU, arrived from Tokyo, Japan. The fire originated as an electrical issue below deck and quickly spread. Reports indicate at least 40 containers were directly involved, with concerns it could have impacted 100 or more due to an explosion. This shipping incident has resulted in substantial damage to cargo bays.

Response and Safety Measures

Emergency responders swiftly tackled the containership fire. Initially, residents were advised to close windows due to smoke, but officials later confirmed the immediate danger had subsided. Crucially, all 23 crew members aboard the Panamanian-registered vessel were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported. Fire boats remain alongside, with crews from both the ship and fire departments diligently continuing fire suppression efforts. The move to the Long Beach anchorage was a strategic decision to manage the incident safely away from the main dock.

This ongoing vessel fire underscores the challenges marine operations face and the dedication of emergency services in protecting both lives and port infrastructure.