RoRo Vessel Morning Midas (IMO: 9289910), which experienced a fire in position lat 47 49 41N, long 179 44 54W, approximately 300 nautical miles southwest of Adak, Alaska, United States, on Jun 3, abandoned Morning Midas is still burning, salvage tugs four days away. In an update, Zodiac, managers of the vessel, said that based on the most recent images from a United States Coast Guard overflight the vessel remained afloat with smoke continuing to pour from inside the car carrier. A first tug carrying a team of salvage specialists and specialised equipment has already been mobilised and is expected to arrive at the scene on approximately Jun 9. There it will assess the vessel’s condition and provide necessary support. An additional fire-fighting tug, capable of ocean towage, is also being arranged to provide further support, Zodiac said.
All 22 crew members aboard the Morning Midas evacuated the ship aboard a life boat and were subsequently rescued by the crew of motor vessel Cosco Hellas, one of the good Samaritan vessels on scene, with no reported injuries.
The Morning Midas is estimated to have approximately 350 metric tons of gas fuel and 1,530 metric tons of very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) onboard. They are also reportedly carrying a total of 3,048 vehicles, with 70 being fully electric vehicles and 681 being partial hybrid electric vehicles. This is based on reports to the US Coast Guard and is subject to change pending the development of any new information.