A fire that erupted on board a container vessel berthed at the Port of Los Angeles has been largely contained, according to reports out of the US state.
The incident began at approximately 18:38 local time while the ship was alongside Berth 218.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the blaze originated below deck, spreading through multiple sub-levels in areas that are difficult for firefighters to access. An explosion mid-ship later disrupted power to equipment onboard.
A Unified Command was established, involving the Los Angeles Fire Department, United States Coast Guard, Port of Los Angeles Police, and other agencies. More than 200 personnel, including fireboats and hazmat teams, were deployed.
All 23 crew members were safely accounted for, and no injuries have been reported.
In the early hours of Saturday, the vessel was moved from the berth and taken to an anchorage near Angel’s Gate Lighthouse, approximately one nautical mile offshore, to allow continued firefighting operations while reducing risk to port infrastructure.
A shelter-in-place order was briefly issued for nearby communities in San Pedro and Wilmington as a precaution. Air quality readings remained within normal parameters, and the order was lifted on Saturday morning.
Up to four port terminals were temporarily closed during the initial response, but normal operations have since resumed.
Authorities report that the fire is now substantially contained, although firefighting and stability assessments remain ongoing. A safety exclusion zone is currently being maintained around the anchored vessel.
ONE’s Henry Hudson is deployed on the Premier Alliance FP1 Pacific service.
