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Report |
------------------UPDATE-------------------
6 June 2025
* Further to our original report concerning the fire on board vehicle carrier, MORNING MIDAS, it is reported that the fire remains ablaze. The crew were evacuated from the vessel which is currently drifting, under observation by the local authorities.
* Other sources report that a specialist salvage team and equipment have been dispatched to the vessel by tug but that the salvage team is not expected to reach the vessel until 9 June. We understand that the vessel’s managers are also arranging for a separate fire-fighting tug with towage capabilities to also be deployed to assist the vessel.
* It is now reported that the vessel was laden with 3,159 cars, of which we understand that 65 were fully electric cars and 681 were hybrid vehicles, manufactured by Chinese carmakers, including SAIC Motor Co., Chery Automobile Co., and Great Wall Motor Co.
* We understand that the vessel was under charter by Anji Logistics, a subsidiary company of SAIC Motor Co.
* In addition to loss or damage to the vehicles, it is possible that shipowners may declare General Average. If so, General Average security may be required from all Cargo Interests prior to the delivery of their cargo and we are likely to be able to assist in that regard. Salvage Security may also be required to be provided by a party acceptable to the Salvors or the Council of Lloyd’s on behalf of cargo interests. We may also be able to assist in that regard. Security provided by WKW is acceptable to the Council of Lloyd’s and widely preferred by professional Salvors.
* We have retained a fire expert to investigate the circumstances of the fire, when practicable, and we have surveyors on hand to assess the extent of damage to any vehicles stowed on board the vessel that Underwriters may be concerned with.
* However, there are fears that the vessel may sink given the relatively isolated location of the vessel and the ferocity of fires involving electric vehicles experienced by other vehicle carriers.
* We continue to closely monitor the situation and we will report any further significant developments as more information becomes available.
* In the meantime, we recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel so that we can immediately start taking steps to protect your interests.
------------------ORIGINAL-----------------
* We have received reports that vehicle carrier MORNING MIDAS (IMO: 9289910) experienced a fire whilst in a position approximately 300 nautical miles off the southwestern coast of Alaska, United States on 03 June 2025.
* It is reported that smoke was first observed coming from a car deck carrying electric vehicles.
* The fire could not be extinguished by the crew despite the vessel’s fire suppression system being activated. Consequently, all crew members have been evacuated from the vessel.
* Various merchant vessels have deviated to assist the vessel and a fire-fighting tug has been deployed to assist the fire-fighting operation.
* It is possible that General Average, Salvage and Recovery issues may arise as a result of this incident.
* We therefore recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel so that we can immediately start taking steps to protect your interests. |
