Cargo Ship 'Morning Midas' Sinks Off Alaska, Raising Pollution Concerns
The cargo vessel Morning Midas, carrying nearly 3,000 vehicles to Mexico, has sunk in the North Pacific Ocean, prompting concerns about potential pollution.
This occurred weeks after a fire forced the crew to abandon ship. The vessel went down in international waters off Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, according to Zodiac Maritime.
Fire and Evacuation
The fire began on June 3, about 300 miles southwest of Adak Island. All 22 crew members were safely evacuated. The ship had departed from Yantai, China, on May 26.
Pollution Control Measures
While it's unclear if any vehicles were salvaged, Zodiac Maritime has deployed salvage tugs and a pollution response vessel to monitor environmental risks. The US Coast Guard reports no visible pollution so far.
Broader Implications
This sinking follows growing concerns about fire safety on ships carrying electric vehicles. A recent report emphasized the need for improved emergency responses after a similar incident in the North Sea in 2023.
