URGENT UPDATE: A major emergency has been declared at the Port of Los Angeles as firefighters battle a hazardous fire aboard the cargo ship 1 Henry Hudson. Over 100 firefighters are actively engaged in combating a significant blaze that erupted below deck at 6:38 p.m. on Friday night.
The situation intensified with a reported explosion just before 8 p.m., disrupting power to critical ship systems, including lights and cranes. Authorities confirm that hazardous materials are present in several cargo containers aboard the vessel, prompting all firefighting crews to don protective suits and oxygen masks for safety.
Firefighters are utilizing marine crews to cool the exterior of the ship, making conditions more manageable for their operations. However, incident command has ordered no firefighting personnel to enter the ship’s sub-levels until it is deemed safe. Despite the extensive use of water to combat the flames, the ship does not appear to be sinking.
Earlier reports indicated that six crew members were unaccounted for, raising concerns about their safety. At approximately 8:30 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed that all 23 crew members have been located and safely evacuated from the vessel. Remarkably, no injuries have been reported at this time.
The 1 Henry Hudson, registered under the flag of Panama, arrived at the Port of L.A. earlier this week after a journey from Tokyo. Mayor Karen Bass has stated that the city is closely monitoring the ongoing situation, emphasizing the importance of public safety.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. Authorities continue to manage the emergency response as they work to contain the fire and ensure the safety of all involved.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent incident.
