A fire broke out on the container ship ONE Henry Hudson at the Port of Los Angeles on the evening of November 21st,prompting a massive response from local,state,and federal agencies[[1]]. the incident, initially reported as an electrical fire[[2]], caused temporary disruptions to port operations and raised concerns about potential supply chain impacts. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after towing the vessel to an anchorage off Long Beach[[3]], but the event highlights the ever-present risks inherent in global maritime commerce.
Fire Breaks Out on Container Ship at Port of Los Angeles, Disrupting Operations
A fire of suspected electrical origin erupted on the container ship ONE Henry Hudson while docked at the Yusen Terminal at the Port of Los Angeles on the evening of November 21st. The blaze quickly spread to multiple holds and containers, prompting a large-scale response from local fire departments and the U.S. Coast Guard. The incident briefly halted operations at several port terminals, highlighting the potential for disruption in global supply chains.
Firefighters from the Los Angeles and Long Beach Fire Departments, along with the Coast Guard and Port Police, mobilized nearly 200 personnel to contain the fire. Naval firefighting vessels were deployed to cool the ship’s hull. Drones and an aircraft equipped with thermal sensors were used to monitor the fire’s spread and intensity. As a precaution, authorities issued a temporary “shelter-in-place” order for nearby residents, advising them to close windows and remain indoors.
All 23 crew members aboard the ONE Henry Hudson were safely evacuated. Initial reports indicated that approximately 40 containers were directly affected by the fire, but that number rose to around 100 following an explosion that damaged the ship’s lighting and cranes. The vessel, which flies the Panamanian flag, is operated by ONE, a Japanese shipping company with a capacity of 8,212 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). It had arrived from Tokyo on November 19th.
During the night, the ONE Henry Hudson was towed to an anchorage off Long Beach, where firefighting efforts continued. By November 22nd, authorities reported that the fire was “substantially contained.” Port operations resumed the following day after a temporary suspension. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with large-scale maritime shipping and the importance of robust safety protocols.
© Un article de la rédaction de Mer et Marine. Reproduction interdite sans consentement du ou des auteurs.
