A major maritime incident occurred in the Pacific Ocean this month when the cargo ship ‘Morning Midas’ sank after a devastating fire.
Cargo Ship Sinks in Pacific Ocean: A significant maritime incident has occurred in the Pacific Ocean. A cargo ship, ‘Morning Midas,’ en route from China to Mexico, has sunk at sea. The vessel was carrying approximately 3,000 new vehicles, including 800 electric vehicles. Reports indicate that a sudden and intense fire broke out on board, quickly escalating beyond control and ultimately leading to the ship’s submersion into the ocean depths.
Fire Amplified the Crisis, Crew Successfully Rescued
The incident occurred on June 3rd, approximately 300 miles off the Alaskan coast. Following the sending of a distress signal from the ship, the United States Coast Guard responded swiftly. Fortunately, all 22 crew members aboard were rescued by a merchant vessel. There have been no reports of casualties.
Where and How Did the Ship Sink?
According to London-based Jodjak Maritime, the incident took place in an international waters area near the Aleutian Islands chain, exacerbated by poor weather conditions. The fire on board, combined with the adverse weather, quickly engulfed the ship, causing it to list significantly before ultimately sinking. The vessel reportedly descended to a depth of 16,404 feet below sea level. ‘Morning Midas’ measured approximately 600 feet in length. Following the fire, a large plume of smoke was observed emanating from the ship’s stern, where the electric vehicles were stored. Cameron Snell, a spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard, stated that in light of the potential for oil spills or battery pollution, specialized tugboats and pollution control equipment have been deployed to the area.
Concerns Regarding Electric Vehicles
The incident has taken on an even greater significance from an environmental perspective due to the approximately 800 electric vehicles onboard. Experts believe that leaks or combustion from EV batteries could release toxic chemicals into the ocean, posing a serious threat to marine life. Jodjak Maritime reports that they are working with U.S. environmental agencies to develop plans for preventing water pollution and removing debris.
Departure Details
According to information from Marinetraffic.com, details of the cargo ship ‘Morning Midas’ include:
- Flag: Liberia
- Year Built: 2006
- Voyage Commencement: May 26, 2025, from Yantai Port, China
- Destination: Mexico
While the cause of the fire – whether it originated from EV batteries or another source – remains unclear, the event raises significant questions about the safety of transporting modern vehicles by sea. Experts emphasize the need for specific protocols and heightened security measures when shipping electric vehicles on maritime transport.
