The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a strong recommendation urging land-based fire departments, especially those operating in port cities, to receive specialized training in marine vessel firefighting. The call follows the investigation into a deadly cargo ship fire at the Port of Newark in July 2023 that claimed the lives of two Newark firefighters.
The incident occurred aboard the Italian-flagged car carrier Grande Costa D’Avorio, where a fire broke out as non-running vehicles were being loaded using a Jeep not in compliance with safety standards. The fire rapidly spread, burning for nearly a week and exposing critical gaps in emergency preparedness.
According to the NTSB, the Newark Fire Department did not have a fire control plan for the vessel and lacked adequate marine firefighting training. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy described the situation as a “failure of leadership,” emphasizing that local firefighters were not properly equipped or trained to handle a fire of this magnitude aboard a ship.
The board’s findings have prompted renewed focus on the importance of collaboration between local fire departments and port authorities, as well as the urgent need to improve training for handling maritime incidents.
Newark officials responded by acknowledging the bravery of their firefighters and noted that many members had undergone maritime awareness training. However, they agreed that more comprehensive preparation is necessary in light of the tragic event.
The NTSB’s call aims to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that first responders are fully prepared to tackle the unique challenges posed by fires on board large vessels.
