Burning Ship Carrying EVs Abandoned Near Alaska, U.S. Coast Guard Rescues Crew

A cargo carrier shipping vehicles from China to Mexico was abandoned in the Pacific near Alaska early Wednesday (E.T.) after it caught fire.

The Morning Midas was carrying approximately 3,000 vehicles including 800 electric vehicles and the crew was forced to abandon ship after being unable to bring the blaze under control, Bloomberg reported.

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued all 22 crew and there have been no reported injuries.

The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed and a manifest of the exact types and brands of vehicles involved has not been released.

“USCG responding to fire onboard 600ft cargo ship Morning Midas with 22 people aboard 300 mi SW of Adak – No reported injuries – Ship’s crew actively fighting fire – 3 vessels on scene to assist – USCG aircrews en route to Adak – USCG Cutter en route to the area,” the Coast Guard wrote on X.

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The incident is similar to one that happened in 2022, when the Felicity Ace caught fire in the Atlantic and was abandoned and left to sink several days later. Around 4,000 vehicles, mainly from VW Group brands, were onboard including several electric models.

The newest electric car batteries aren’t particularly prone to catch fire, but it is very difficult to extinguish one when it happens due to their chemical makeup.

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.