Cargo Ship Carrying Lithium-Ion Batteries Faces Prolonged Fire in Alaskan Seas

A massive cargo ship transporting stacks of lithium-ion batteries has become engulfed in flames, currently positioned 2 miles (3.22 kilometers) off the coast of Alaska in the United States. Authorities have taken measures to contain the fire, which ignited on December 28 and has persisted for the past five days. A one-mile safety zone has been established around the vessel for the duration of the ongoing response efforts.

The US Coast Guard has confirmed that the vessel in question is the M/V Genius Star XI. As of the latest update, the ship is securely anchored in Broad Bay, Alaska, adhering to the latest Captain of the Port Order. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and officials plan to initiate an investigation once the response operations conclude. The Genius Star XI, owned by Taiwan-based Wisdom Wise Group, was en route from Vietnam to San Diego, carrying lithium-ion batteries.

All 19 crew members aboard the Genius Star XI have been confirmed safe, and a team of marine firefighting experts from the US Coast Guard's T&T Salvage and Resolve Marine boarded the ship on December 29 to assess its condition. The inspection revealed that the ship's structure was intact, with no damage beyond a specific area. Captain Chris Culpepper, Captain of the Port, assured that the situation is currently stable, emphasizing that keeping the vessel anchored provides a safer environment for response teams and minimizes the risk of hazardous cargo movement. He further mentioned that the Genius Star XI remains operational and can be mobilized swiftly if necessary.

In a precautionary measure, the Unified Command has directed the preparation of an Emergency Towing System, ready to deploy in case the Genius Star XI encounters propulsion issues requiring towing away from the shore. The safety protocols in handling the fire are intricate, especially given the challenges associated with extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires. Priority is placed on safety due to the reactive nature of these batteries, which may reignite if not handled properly. The use of water for extinguishing such fires is discouraged, as it can react with lithium, potentially exacerbating the situation and releasing harmful gases.

The Coast Guard has outlined a cautious approach, waiting for the fire on the 410-foot cargo ship to be fully extinguished before allowing it to dock at Dutch Harbor, a bustling fishing port in Unalaska. This precautionary measure aims to prevent potential contamination resulting from the lithium-ion batteries. The ongoing response efforts underscore the challenges associated with managing incidents involving hazardous materials, highlighting the importance of comprehensive safety protocols and strategic planning in maritime emergencies.