A huge cargo ship, estimated to be carrying around 3,000 vehicles, sank in international waters this week, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Morning Midas, operated by the London-based Zodiac Maritime, went down on Monday, June 23, at approximately 5:30 p.m. Officials said the incident occurred about 450 miles southwest of Adak, Alaska.
According to the Coast Guard, the ship was carrying 1,530 metric tons of very low-sulfur fuel oil and 350 tons of marine gas oil. It was also transporting 3,048 vehicles, including 70 electric cars and 681 hybrids.
The Morning Midas, which was en route from China to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, had caught fire on June 3. As previously reported by USA TODAY, 22 crew members were forced to abandon ship after unsuccessful efforts to put out the fire. They evacuated via lifeboats and were picked up by a nearby merchant vessel, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
On June 25, Zodiac Maritime said that the vessel’s sinking was caused by the fire damage, which was compounded by severe weather and water ingress.
The Coast Guard stated that there have been no visible signs of pollution so far, but they are continuing to monitor the situation in cooperation with the company.
“Two salvage vessels, Garth Foss and Salvage Worker, are currently on scene, conducting continuous assessments of the area with pollution response equipment on board in case of any potential contamination,” the agency said. An oil spill response vessel, Endeavour, is also expected to arrive on June 26, equipped with containment and pollution recovery tools.
“We’re working closely with Resolve Marine and the United States Coast Guard, and we want to express our heartfelt thanks for their professionalism and swift response,” the statement concluded.