5th June 2025
A significant maritime incident unfolded this week as the car carrier Morning Midas, transporting approximately 3,000 vehicles—including around 800 electric vehicles (EVs)—caught fire in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 300 miles south of Adak Island, Alaska.
The fire was first detected on Tuesday, June 3, emanating from the deck housing the EVs. Despite the crew's efforts using the ship's CO₂ fire suppression system, the blaze proved uncontainable. All 22 crew members were safely evacuated.
The vessel was en route from Yantai, China, to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, carrying vehicles from several Chinese automakers. Reports indicate that the fire originated on the deck containing the EVs, though the specific cause remains under investigation.
The U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating response efforts, with salvage operations underway. The incident has raised environmental concerns due to the potential release of hazardous materials from the burning vehicles and the ship itself.
This event underscores the challenges associated with transporting EVs, particularly the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries. Maritime experts are calling for enhanced safety protocols and fire suppression systems tailored to the unique hazards of EV transport.
