EV Fire Forces Cargo Ship Evacuation Off Alaska

A cargo ship transporting around 3,000 vehicles, 800 of them electric, was evacuated in the North Pacific after a fire erupted on board. The crew of 22 was safely rescued after efforts to contain the fire failed. The incident took place while the Liberia-flagged ship Morning Midas was en route from Asia to the Americas.

The fire reportedly originated on a deck loaded with electric vehicles, raising alarms over the unique dangers EVs pose at sea. Lithium-ion battery fires are notoriously hard to extinguish, can reignite days later, and require specialized protocols.

With the rise in global EV shipping, insurers and maritime safety experts have flagged growing concerns over such fires aboard cargo and roll-on/roll-off vessels.

The U.S. Coast Guard coordinated the rescue, supported by nearby ships and air crews. While no injuries were reported, the event adds to a troubling trend.

According to Allianz Commercial, shipboard fires, particularly involving car carriers, have reached their highest levels in over a decade. As electric vehicles become more widespread, maritime operators are being urged to reassess safety measures and emergency preparedness when transporting battery-powered cargo.