A devastating fire aboard a cargo ship at Port Newark claimed the lives of two firefighters on Wednesday night. The blaze, which began around 9:30 p.m., originated from burning vehicles on the 10th floor of the Grande Costa D’Avorio, a vessel carrying 5,000 cars. The fire rapidly spread to the 11th and 12th floors, creating intense heat that forced firefighters to retreat. Tragically, two firefighters became separated from their unit during the chaotic scene. Despite a large-scale search involving rescue companies from across the state, the two firefighters were found deceased inside the ship.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka expressed profound sorrow at the loss, highlighting the inherent dangers firefighters face when confronting infernos within complex structures. While acknowledging the immense bravery and teamwork displayed by the responding crews, Mayor Baraka described the incident as a traumatic event for the entire city. Fire Chief Rufus Jackson noted the specialized nature of shipboard firefighting, a challenge not frequently encountered by Newark's fire department. He emphasized the dedication and selflessness of firefighters who willingly put their lives on the line, regardless of the circumstances. The fire continued to burn even as officials held a press conference, but efforts to extinguish it remained ongoing. The Grande Costa D’Avorio, built in 2011, had arrived from the Port of Baltimore several days earlier, according to marine traffic data.
