A rare and complex maritime emergency occurred off the coast of Alaska, prompting renewed concerns about the safety of transporting electric vehicles by sea.
On June 3, 2025, a significant fire broke out aboard the Morning Midas, a Liberia-flagged cargo ship near the coast of Alaska. The vessel was carrying nearly 3,000 vehicles, including approximately 800 electric and hybrid models, when the blaze ignited on the deck housing electric vehicles.
Crew Evacuates Safely; Rescue Operation Underway
The Morning Midas had departed from Yantai, China, on May 26, bound for Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico. Despite immediate firefighting efforts by the 22-member crew, the fire quickly became uncontrollable.
The crew evacuated safely using lifeboats and were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard with assistance from a nearby merchant ship.
Investigation and Challenges of Electric Vehicle Fires
Preliminary reports indicate the fire started in the section storing electric vehicles, although the precise cause remains under investigation.
Fires involving electric vehicles present particular challenges at sea due to the high heat produced and the risk of prolonged reignition, which can last for days.
Salvage Operations and Environmental Status
Salvage operations for the Morning Midas are scheduled to commence on June 9, following ongoing monitoring of the vessel’s condition via satellite technology. The ship remains anchored off the coast of Alaska, where the fire continues to smolder in the electric vehicle cargo area.
Authorities have confirmed that, to date, there have been no reports of environmental contamination or hazardous material leaks related to the incident.
The U.S. Coast Guard continues to coordinate closely with salvage teams and environmental experts to minimize any potential risks to marine life and coastal ecosystems as recovery efforts progress.
Implications for Maritime Safety Protocols
The incident highlights growing concerns about the transportation of electric vehicles by sea. I
ndustry experts stress the importance of developing improved safety measures and specialized firefighting techniques to address the unique risks associated with electric vehicle cargo amid increasing global demand.