A significant emergency unfolded at the Port of Los Angeles on Friday evening. A fire broke out on the cargo ship 1 Henry Hudson, prompting the mobilization of 186 firefighters to address the situation.
Cargo Ship Fire Details
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that the electrical fire was detected below deck around 6:38 p.m. An explosion occurred shortly before 8 p.m., impacting power systems for ship lights and cranes.
- Time of Fire Report: 6:38 p.m.
- Explosion Time: Shortly before 8 p.m.
Hazardous Materials Involved
Authorities indicated the presence of hazardous materials within several cargo containers. Firefighters engaged in the operation are equipped with protective suits and oxygen masks to ensure their safety due to the nature of the fire.
Firefighting Efforts
Specialized hazardous materials teams are actively monitoring air quality as they continue to control the fire located in the ship’s lower levels. Meanwhile, marine crews are cooling the exterior of the vessel to improve conditions for responders.
As of 8 p.m., officials mandated that no firefighting personnel should descend below deck. Despite heavy water usage for firefighting, the ship did not seem to be taking on water. Drones were deployed to provide thermal imaging support during the emergency response.
Crew Safety and Response Coordination
Initially, reports indicated six crew members were unaccounted for; however, by 8:30 p.m., it was confirmed that all 23 crew members had been safely evacuated from the ship with no injuries reported.
- Total Crew Members: 23
- Unaccounted Members (initially): 6
- Injuries: None reported
The U.S. Coast Guard has also engaged in the incident, establishing a one-nautical-mile safety perimeter around the vessel. The cargo ship, registered under the flag of Panama, arrived in Los Angeles from Tokyo on Wednesday.
Official Statements
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed the situation on X, assuring that the city is closely monitoring developments. Governor Gavin Newsom received updates regarding the incident and is coordinating with local officials to provide necessary support for the response efforts.
This is an ongoing situation, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
