North Pacific — June 6, 2025 — A cargo ship transporting electric and hybrid vehicles, Morning Midas, remains adrift in the rough waters of the North Pacific after catching fire on Tuesday. The incident occurred roughly 340 miles southwest of Adak, Alaska, sparking urgent concerns over maritime safety, environmental risk, and the complexities of responding to fires involving lithium-ion batteries.
Operated by South Korean shipping company EUKOR Car Carriers, the Morning Midas was en route from Asia to the U.S. West Coast when a severe onboard fire broke out. While the exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation, the ship's cargo—consisting largely of electric and hybrid vehicles—has raised fears of volatile battery-related flare-ups, which are notoriously difficult to extinguish.
All 21 crew members were safely evacuated by a coordinated U.S. Coast Guard rescue operation, but salvage teams won’t be able to reach the vessel until Monday due to remote location and rough seas, according to the Coast Guard’s latest press update.
“The safety of our personnel and protection of the marine environment are top priorities,” said a Coast Guard spokesperson.
Experts are warning of potential pollution threats, especially if the fire compromises the vessel’s fuel tanks or vehicle battery systems. The ship is also adrift without propulsion, adding to the risk of collision or grounding in sensitive marine zones.
This event is the latest in a growing trend of fire incidents on car carriers, especially those transporting electric vehicles. Industry analysts are calling for stricter safety protocols and better onboard fire suppression systems suited for EV cargo hazards.
As climate and tech-forward shipping trends intersect, the Morning Midas case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for maritime fire response modernization.
