Two firefighters has been confirmed dead after a fire accident tore through the Grimaldi Group-controlled ro-ro vessel; Grande Costa D’Avorio at the Port of Newark in New Jersey.
According to a press statement by American Shipping International, the ship suffered a fire on July 5th, while at berth at the Port of Newark, New Jersey.
The vessel was completing the loading operations of various rolling units such as cars vans, trucks when the fire started at a deck which was attended by local stevedores and crew members.
It noted that the crew of the vessel immediately activated the on-board fire suppression procedures, while the local firefighting service were alerted and their prompt response played a crucial role in containing and bringing the fire under control.
However, during the firefighting operations Grimaldi Deep Sea were informed that two fire fighters lost their lives.
It also noted that Grimaldi Deep Sea, will seek at the earliest opportunity to identity the damaged cargo, which will occur after the investigation by the authorities.
“All Company’s thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with their families and team currently Grimaldi Deep Sea wishes to thank and acknowledge the fast and professional response of the firefighting teams to this incident.
“At this time, the damage to cargo is expected to the limited to the upper decks as result to controlling the spread of the fire. Grimaldi Deep Sea, will seek at the earliest opportunity to identity the damaged cargo, this will occur after the investigation by the Authorities”, the statement noted.