The Unified Command consisting of the US Coast Guard (USCG), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Newark Fire Department, and Gallagher Marine Systems is about to launch investigation and salvage operations after the completion of shipboard fire response operations in Port Newark cargo ship fire accident.
As of the morning on 11 July, the fire has been extinguished, according to USCG’s statement.
“I want to share our heartfelt condolences once again to families of Newark firefighters Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks Jr., as well as to their colleagues, their fellow first responders, and the community they both lived in and served,” said Capt. Zeita Merchant, the captain of the port of New York and New Jersey and federal on-scene coordinator. “Their selfless sacrifice is on the minds of all involved in the response and we will never forget their acts of courage.”
As the fire response phase concludes, the focus now shifts towards investigation and salvage operations. The Coast Guard, along with its partner agencies, will work to assess and mitigate any remaining risks or any remaining impact to port operations, and to determine the cause of the incident.
Additionally, salvage operations will encompass the safe removal and recovery of the affected vessel, primarily aiming to minimise any potential impact on the environment.
“Response teams will carefully plan and execute the salvage operation, prioritizing the preservation of marine ecosystems and ensuring the safety of the personnel involved,” said USCG in a statement.
Concurrent with salvage operations, a formal investigation will be launched to determine the root causes and contributing factors leading to the shipboard fire.
The investigation will be led by the Coast Guard in tandem with federal, state, and local entities including the National Transportation Safety Board, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Jersey State Fire Marshal, New Jersey State Police, Newark Fire Arson Division, Essex County Prosecutor and a host of safety agencies.
USCG noted that the findings of the investigation will be important in preventing similar incidents in the future and enhancing maritime safety and security protocols.
