2 firefighters killed, 5 injured battling cargo ship fire at Port Newark
Two firefighters were killed while battling a cargo ship fire at Port Newark, NJ. Derick Waller and Tom Negovan has the latest.
PORT NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Two firefighters were killed after they became trapped while fighting a fire on a ship docked at Port Newark Wednesday night.
The fire broke out around 9:30 p.m. at Export Street and Marsh Street in Newark.
Newark Firefighters were dispatched to the location following a report of multiple vehicles on fire on a ship at Port Newark.
The fire started on the 10th deck as crew members and local stevedores were moving cars, vans and trucks.
Upon arrival, firefighters located the fire, which broke out in five to seven cars and spread to the 11th and 12th floors of the ship, named the Grande Costa D'Avorio.
"Members made an attempt to extinguish the fire but got pushed back by the intense heat. Two firefighters were lost while conducting this action of backing out of the structure," Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson said.
The firefighters were eventually located inside the large ship and pronounced dead.
Those victims identified as Augusto "Augie" Acabou, 45, and Wayne "Bears" Brooks Jr., 49.
Acabou was a nine-year veteran of the of the Newark Fire Department.
Both were assigned to Engine 16.
"I just want the world to know that we just lost two of our best here in the city of Newark, who without hesitation, gave their lives and probably that morning didn't think that they will be fighting a fire on a ship of 5000 cars," Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said at a press conference following the tragedy.
The last time a Newark firefighter was killed on the job was 2007.
The mayor vividly described the bodies lowered from a pulley while firefighters lined up on both sides to pay respects.
"That image will forever be stamped in my mind for how dangerous this job is," Mayor Baraka said.
Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson said Newark firefighters had been trained to fight fires on cruise ships and other vessels that contain living quarters, but not one that carried vehicles.
"This was definitely a unique fire for us," Chief Rufus Jackson said.
Steven McGill, Former Jersey City Fire Chief explained the situation:
According to Chief Jackson, five firefighters were injured while battling the flames.
Three of those victims were members of the Newark Fire Department, and two from the Elizabeth Fire Dept.
They were transported to University Hospital in Newark for treatment.
The ship was carrying thousands of vehicles, which saw firefighters battling the blaze well into the early morning hours.
No electric cars or hazardous cargo were on the ship. The ship is not spilling fuel or in danger of sinking.
This ship generally operates between the U.S. and West Africa. It carries more than 1,200 new and used vehicles and 157 containers.
During the press conference, Mayor Baraka said the city will be having "a long conversation" with the Port Authority about firefighting at the agency's locations.
"That's a long conversation that we're going to have from now until we get some real resolution to what needs to be done as we move forward," he said.
"This is a fire that took place on Port Authority property. They call us when there are big structural fires. we come out to assist them in extinguishing these fires. Obviously, this became an issue where they just didn't have the capacity at all to deal with what was going on, so we had to take full control."
Following the news of the fire, Governor Phil Murphy released a statement saying: "Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two Newark firefighters, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Tammy and I extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones, and we pray that those injured have a full and speedy recovery. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers our firefighters face and their remarkable courage."
The Grimaldi Group also released a statement saying, "The Italian-flag vessel was completing the loading operations of various rolling units (cars, vans, trucks) when the fire started at deck n 10 which was attended by local stevedores and crew members. The crew of the vessel immediately activated the on-board fire suppression procedures while the local firefighting service were alerted, and their prompt response played a crucial role in containing and bringing the fire under control. Sadly, during the firefighting operations, Grimaldi Deep Sea were informed that two firefighters lost their lives. All Company's thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with their families and team currently. At this time, it is not known how the fire started but the Company will undertake a full investigation in close cooperation with all relevant authorities."
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The fire after they became trapped while fighting a fire on
The fire broke out in five to seven cars on the 11th and 12th floors of a ship that was carrying about 5,000 vehicles.
Source: WABC-TV
