By: Richard L. Smith
County, state, and local authorities are investigating a deadly fire that burned several cars and killed two Newark firefighters onboard a massive ship carrying over 5000 cars Wednesday night.
Police said at approximately 9:25 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, Newark Firefighters responded to Corbin Street and Marsh Street on a call of 6-7 vehicles on fire on the Grande Costa D’Avorio, a cargo ship docked at the Port.
According to police, Newark Firefighters located the fire at Berth No. 18, level 10 with the fire extending to level 12 of the ship.
Two Maydays were called as two Newark Firefighters became trapped inside the cargo ship.
East Ward Firefighters Augie Acabou, 45, and Wayne ‘bears’ Brooks both died as a result of the fire.
Firefighter Acabou was a part of Engine 16 on Ferry Street, while the Firefighter Brooks worked for the Engine 27/Ladder 4 team on Elm Road.
The Grimaldi Group also released a statement saying,
“The Italian-flag vessel was completing the loading operations of various rolling units (cars, vans, trucks) when the fire started at deck n 10 which was attended by local stevedores and crew members.
The crew of the vessel immediately activated the on-board fire suppression procedures while the local firefighting service were alerted, and their prompt response played a crucial role in containing and bringing the fire under control. Sadly, during the firefighting operations, Grimaldi Deep Sea were informed that two firefighters lost their lives.
All Company's thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with their families and team currently. At this time, it is not known how the fire started but the Company will undertake a full investigation in close cooperation with all relevant authorities”.
A 2nd alarm was called at approximately 11:17 p.m.with mutual aid responses from Port Authority Police, Jersey City Fire Department, FDNY Special Operations, Bayonne Fire Department, Elizabeth Fire Department, Hackensack Fire Department, Union County Rescue, South Orange EMS, Millburn Fire Department, and several others.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.