Accra, Ghana - Hundreds of firefighters are battling a massive fire on a container ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California. The blaze, which started on Friday evening, has prompted a major emergency declaration due to the presence of hazardous materials onboard.
Electrical Fire Triggers Explosion
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that the fire originated as an electrical issue below deck on the 1,100-foot container ship, named 'One Henry Hudson'. An explosion occurred later, knocking out power to lights and cranes, further complicating firefighting efforts.
Hazardous Materials Present
The ship's cargo includes hazardous materials, requiring firefighters to wear full protective gear and oxygen masks. Specialized hazardous materials teams are continuously monitoring air quality to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and responders.
All Crew Members Accounted For
Thankfully, all 23 crew members have been accounted for and rescued without any reported injuries. Initially, there were concerns about six missing crew members, but they were later confirmed to be safe.
Drones Aid Firefighting Efforts
Drones are being utilized to provide thermal imaging of the fire, offering crucial insights into the blaze's intensity and spread. This technology assists incident command in making informed decisions about firefighting strategies.
Containment Efforts Slow
As of Friday night, containment efforts remained slow. Firefighters were instructed not to enter the ship's sub-levels due to the hazardous conditions. Marine crews are working to cool the exterior of the vessel to make conditions more manageable for those battling the flames.
The 'One Henry Hudson' is operated by One Ocean Express, a Singapore-based shipping company. The ship had previously made stops in Japan before arriving in Los Angeles. The cause of the initial electrical fire is still under investigation.
The Port of Los Angeles, known as the busiest port in North America, is facing significant disruption due to the ongoing emergency. The situation is being closely monitored by local authorities and the LAFD.