The Head of the NTSB Criticizes Newark Fire Department’s Handling of Deadly Cargo Ship Fire
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) criticized the Newark fire department for its lack of training and familiarity with marine firefighting during a deadly cargo ship fire at the East Coast’s largest port in July 2023. The board’s chairperson, Jennifer Homendy, described the incident as a “failure of leadership.”
During the public meeting in Washington, the NTSB revealed its findings about the fire on the Italian-flagged Grande Costa D’Avorio, which led to the deaths of two Newark firefighters. The board also highlighted that the fire started when cargo loaders used a Jeep not designed for such work.
Furthermore, the NTSB mentioned that a carbon dioxide fire suppression system on the ship was ineffective due to a hydraulic door that needed to be closed from inside, where the fire was raging in cramped conditions.
NTSB investigators emphasized that the Newark fire department’s chiefs exposed firefighters to unnecessary risks and lacked proper training in marine firefighting. They also noted the absence of a fire control plan for the ship.
Lessons Learned and Safety Measures
Investigator Bart Barnum stressed the importance of proper training for responding to marine vessel fires, stating that in this instance, firefighters should never have entered the ship. The NTSB urged the department to prioritize training and safety protocols for such emergencies.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda commended the bravery of the firefighters and mentioned that the firefighting force had undergone Maritime Firefighting Awareness Training. They assured that the tragic event had informed all firefighting operations going forward.
Investigation Details and Safety Violations
The NTSB’s investigation revealed that the fire began on the ship’s tenth deck as port workers were using a Jeep Wrangler to load vehicles onto the vessel. The vehicle did not meet safety standards for such operations, leading to the ignition of the fire.
Despite efforts to activate the carbon dioxide suppression system, the fire could not be contained due to the ship’s hydraulic door remaining open. This resulted in the loss of two firefighters, Augusto Acabou and Rufus Jackson.
The NTSB highlighted safety violations and the need for stricter adherence to regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Continued Safety Discussions and Training Initiatives
The article mentioned ongoing discussions between the city of Newark and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey regarding training and safety measures. While specifics were not provided, it is evident that efforts are being made to enhance preparedness and response capabilities in similar emergency situations.
