Car carrier sinks after blaze

A ship transporting more than 3,000 vehicles to Mexico has capsized and sunk after burning at sea for nearly three weeks.

The Morning Midas sank in international waters, about 720km southwest of Adak, Alaska, on June 23, according to the US Coast Guard.

The vessel was carrying 3,048 vehicles, including 70 battery electric vehicles and 681 hybrids. It also reportedly had 350 tonnes of marine gas oil and 1,530 tonnes of very low sulphur fuel oil onboard.

The US Coast Guard says there have been no reports of visible signs of pollution but it is monitoring the situation and remains in contact with Zodiac Maritime, the manager of the Morning Midas.

Zodiac Maritime released a statement on June 25 saying the fire damage “compounded by heavy weather and subsequent water ingress” caused the 180-metre vessel to sink.

“As a precaution, two salvage tugs containing pollution control equipment remain on site to monitor for any signs of pollution or debris,” it adds.  

“A specialised pollution response vessel is also en route to the location as an additional precaution.”

The Liberian-flagged Morning Midas was travelling from China to Mexico when fire broke out on June 3.

Twenty-two crew abandoned the ship after attempts to extinguish the blaze failed. They were evacuated by lifeboat and transferred to a merchant vessel, Cosco Hellas. 

No injuries were reported during the incident.