As of 07 June, the fire aboard vessel Höegh Xiamen is still burning in Jackonsonville. Efforts to extinguish the fire are progressing and remain ongoing since last Thursday 04 June.
The fire started at around 16:00 hours (local time) on Thursday 4 June, shortly after the vessel had completed loading operations at Blount Island, Jacksonville. The 21 crew members of the vessel were safely evacuated but eight firefighters were injured during the initial response.
Firefighters with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and specialist marine firefighters with Resolve Marine Group continue to work to extinguish the blaze on several decks, with an ongoing focus on cooling the vessel’s exterior. This is being carried out by fire tugs alongside which are spraying water on the vessel to keep it cool. An additional high capacity pump has also been deployed to significantly increase the amount of water on the hull.
Höegh Autoliners CEO, Thor Jørgen Guttormsen says, “We are continually grateful for the assistance of the State of Florida, the US Coast Guard, the Port of Jacksonville and especially the firefighters whose ongoing hard work and expertise have brought the fire under control. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the firefighters who sustained injuries during the initial response to the fire and we wish them a speedy recovery.”
There has been no report of any pollution, and this is being continually monitored. Containment booms have been placed around the vessel as a precautionary measure.
