Cargo ship carrying over 3,000 vehicles sinks in Pacific Ocean after fire

By Admin

25 Jun, 2025

A cargo ship carrying more than 3,000 vehicles tragically sank in the Pacific Ocean on June 23, 2025, weeks after a fire broke out aboard the vessel. Named Morning Midas, the 600-foot (183-metre) car and truck carrier was en route from Yantai, China, to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, when the incident occurred in international waters.

Timeline of the Incident

The fire was first reported on June 3 while the ship was about 360 nautical miles southwest of Adak, Alaska. The blaze originated on a deck carrying electric vehicles (EVs) a growing concern in maritime transport due to the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. These batteries can catch fire if damaged or improperly handled, and their volatility appears to have played a central role in this disaster.

The situation escalated as fire damage was compounded by severe weather and water ingress, ultimately causing the Morning Midas to sink at around 16:35 (UTC -9) on June 23. The vessel went down in waters approximately 5,000 meters deep, about 360 nautical miles from the nearest landmass.

The Cargo: EVs, Hybrids, and Conventional Vehicles

Managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime and registered under the Liberian flag, Morning Midas was carrying over 3,000 vehicles, including 70 fully electric and 681 hybrid models. These vehicles were reported to be from notable manufacturers such as SAIC Motor, Chery Automobile, and Great Wall Motor.

The presence of such a high number of electric and hybrid vehicles raises further concerns about the growing risks involved in transporting lithium-ion batteries by sea a point recently highlighted in a report by insurance giant Allianz. The report emphasized that fires involving these batteries are becoming more frequent and dangerous as demand for electric vehicles increases.

Safe Rescue Operation

Fortunately, all 22 crew members on board were successfully rescued. On June 5, the crew abandoned ship using a lifeboat and were picked up by the nearby container vessel COSCO Hellas. The U.S. Coast Guard, which responded promptly, deployed aircrews to Adak and dispatched a vessel to assist in the rescue and containment operations.

Images released by the Coast Guard show smoke billowing from the stern of the Morning Midas, with damage centered on the EV deck.

Ongoing Environmental and Safety Measures

Resolve Marine, the salvage company overseeing the site also known for its involvement in the Francis Scott Key Bridge cleanup in Baltimore confirmed the sinking and is actively monitoring the area. Two salvage tugs equipped with pollution control systems remain at the scene to manage any potential oil leaks or floating debris.

Authorities have been notified, and Zodiac Maritime continues to collaborate with emergency responders and salvage experts to assess environmental impacts and implement damage control.

Conclusion

The Morning Midas incident underscores the urgent need for the maritime industry to re-evaluate the safety protocols surrounding the transport of electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries. As global shipping trends shift toward EVs, preventive measures and stricter regulations will be essential to safeguarding vessels, crews, and marine environments.