Archive · 9 Jun 2025
Cargo Ship Carrying 3,000 Vehicles Catches Fire Off Alaska Coast
A cargo ship carrying 3,000 vehicles, including about 800 electric vehicles, caught fire 300 miles off the Alaskan coast.
The fire, which started Tuesday afternoon, made the crew abandon ship.
The U.S. Coast Guard is letting the fire burn out due to the danger of exploding lithium-ion batteries and toxic fumes.
The ship, the Morning Midas, was traveling from China to Mexico.
Fires involving EVs on ships are difficult to extinguish.
A cargo ship named Morning Midas caught fire approximately 300 miles off the coast of Alaska.
The ship was carrying around 3,000 vehicles, including roughly 800 electric vehicles.
The fire began on Tuesday afternoon, prompting the 22 crew members to evacuate.
The U.S. Coast Guard is letting the fire burn due to the hazardous nature of lithium-ion batteries.
The ship was en route from China to Mexico, with a scheduled arrival in Lázaro Cárdenas on June 15.
- Who
- The cargo ship Morning Midas, owned by Zodiac Maritime.
- What
- A cargo ship carrying 3,000 vehicles, including approximately 800 EVs, caught fire.
- When
- The fire started on Tuesday afternoon.
- Where
- Approximately 300 miles off the coast of Alaska.
- Why
- The cause is under investigation; lithium-ion batteries pose an extinguishing challenge.
Firefighting Capabilities
Actions During the Fire
Response
Firefighting Capabilities
No firefighting vessels were nearby; a specialized rescue team is expected to arrive.
Actions During the Fire
The U.S. Coast Guard is letting the fire burn out due to the risk of lithium-ion batteries exploding.
- Ship Name
- Morning Midas
- Shipping Company
- Zodiac Maritime
- Location of Fire
- 300 miles off the coast of Alaska
- Cargo
- 3,000 vehicles, including 800 EVs
- Departure Point
- Yantai, China
- Destination
- Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico
