A fire on a freighter in the Newark harbor lasted late Friday afternoon, was active for about 40 hours after it broke out on Wednesday and has already caused the deaths of two firefighters, one of them Portuguese-American. Authorities expect the fire to continue for at least two more days, according to CBS.
Firefighters Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks Jr. died after getting caught in the fire while fighting the flames on the ship.
“Today we mourn two brothers who gave their all. Both wonderful men who would do anything for their friends and family,” the Luso-American Association of Firefighters wrote on social media.
Augusto Acabou, the Portuguese-American firefighter who died in the blaze, was 45 years old and his family was from the district of Aveiro, according to the Luso-Americano newspaper.
The ship, which sails under the Italian flag, was loaded with more than a thousand vehicles when the fire broke out.
When firefighters arrived at the Port of Newark on Wednesday night, several vehicles were already ablaze on the freighter’s 10th floor, but the fire quickly spread to the upper floors.
USA ▪️ Fire on an Italian freighter in Newark harbor in New Jersey. Two firefighters died (7/5 – 7/6)
США ▪️ Пожежа на вантажному судні в порту Ньюарк у Нью-Джерсі
USA ▪️ Brand auf einem Frachtschiff im Hafen von Newark in New Jersey pic.twitter.com/CeqTd5yuNv
– Latest News ️ (@AEagle98704) July 6, 2023
With the intensity of the flames, the firefighters were pushed by the intense heat and two of them eventually became lost from the rest of the team, Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson said at a news conference Thursday, when the fire was still raging.
We are saddened to announce the passing of two Newark firefighters, Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks, Jr., who each died fighting a fire in Port Newark that began July 5 and continued through July 6.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the fallen. pic.twitter.com/R5FVWyeNSK
– City of Newark (@CityofNewarkNJ) July 6, 2023
The fire brigade was initially unable to find the two colleagues, who would later die. Rescuers from across the state of New Jersey were called to the scene and Augusto Acabou, 45, and Wayn Brooks Jr., 49, were eventually found and removed from the building, but no longer alive.
In a statement, the company that owns the Grande Costa d’Avorio said the crew immediately activated onboard firefighting procedures and alerted the local fire brigade, leading to an immediate response that was crucial to contain the spread of the fires in to checkers. .
The company also said there were no electric cars or dangerous goods on board the ship and no fuel leakage had been detected, and the ship’s stability had not been compromised.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, but authorities have opened an investigation.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of two Newark firefighters who made the greatest sacrifice in their service,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement.
Source: DN
