Salvage team reaches car carrier

A salvage crew has begun assessing the state of a car carrier that has been drifting in the Pacific Ocean for more than a week after being struck by fire.

The Morning Midas, managed by Zodiac Maritime, was transporting more than 3,000 vehicles from China to Mexico when it had to be evacuated after a blaze on June 3. 

An update from the US Coast Guard on June 10 says the vessel was located about 350km south of Adak, Alaska, and drifting north-east at about 2.9kph.

The first salvage tug, Gretchen Dunlap, has arrived at the scene and two more vessels are expected there within the next fortnight.  

Latest images of the car carrier show smoke still coming from the charred vessel that was loaded with 3,048 vehicles, including 70 EVs and 681 hybrids. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

The US Coast Guard says it is in communication with Zodiac Maritime as the company’s salvors, Resolve Marine, develop salvage and safety plans. 

“The safety of the public, responders, and vessel crews operating in the area remains our top priority,” adds Rear Admiral Megan Dean, commander of the US Coast Guard’s 17th district. 

“We are working closely with Zodiac Maritime to ensure a safe and effective plan to address the fire and mitigate any potential impacts to the environment.”

Officials also plan to conduct regular flights over the Morning Midas to monitor its position and condition, with the US Coast Guard noting one such flight on June 8 observed no signs of pollution.