The U.S. Coast Guard issued findings of concern to disseminate information related to unsafe conditions that were identified as causal factors in a casualty and could contribute to future incidents. Findings of concern are intended to educate the public, state, or local agencies about the conditions discovered so they may address the findings with an appropriate voluntary action or highlight existing applicable company policies or state/local regulations.
In July 2023, a JEEP Wrangler, used by longshoremen as a “pusher vehicle” to load non-running cargo vehicles onto a foreign flagged Ro-Ro/Container vessel moored at Port Newark, New Jersey, caught fire while inside one of the vessel’s vehicle decks. Firefighting efforts by the vessel’s crew and land-based firefighters were ineffective at suppressing the fire. Tragically, during the response, two land-based firefighters lost their lives, and several others were injured.
These findings of concern are provided for informational purpose only and do not relieve any domestic or international safety, operational, or material requirements. For any questions or comments please contact the First Coast Guard District, Inspections and Investigations Branch, by email at D01-DG-D1-CCPrevention@uscg.mil.