Editor's Note -- The two Newark firefighters who answered their final alarm Wednesday night were identified as Augusto Acabou, 45, of Engine 16, and Wayne Brooks, 49, of Ladder 4.
Anthony G. Attrino, Jackie Roman
nj.com(TNS)
Two firefighters were killed when they became trapped while battling a fire that broke out Wednesday night aboard a cargo ship at Port Newark, authorities said.
Port Authority police and Newark firefighters responded about 9:25 p.m. to Corbin and Marsh streets after a report of six to seven vehicles on fire aboard a ship, according to Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka.
The fire was on the Grande Costa D’avorio, a cargo ship carrying vehicles that was docked at the port, Baraka said. Multiple vehicles on the ship were ablaze when firefighters arrived.
“Firefighters located the fire at Berth No. 18, level 10 with fire extending to level 12 of the ship,” the mayor said in a statement. “Two Maydays were called as two Newark firefighters became trapped inside the cargo ship.”
A second alarm was called about 11:17 p.m. with mutual aid responses from fire departments in Essex, Bergen and Union counties, Baraka said.
In addition to the two deaths, several other firefighters were taken to area hospitals for treatment, officials said.
“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two Newark firefighters, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement.
“Tammy and I extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones, and we pray that those injured have a full and speedy recovery. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers our firefighters face and their remarkable courage,” Murphy said.
Newark’s mayor also asked for prayers.
“We ask everyone to pray. Pray for the city of Newark, pray for the firefighters here. Pray for the families that have lost a loved one,” Baraka said at a press conference at the scene.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police directed traffic from the streets nearest the usually bustling Newark Port early Thursday. While there were no visible flames, responders were still fighting flare ups nearly 12 hours after the fire was first reported.
Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson said the fire was on the 10th level of the ship and that seven vehicles were engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived Wednesday night.
Firefighters were forced back due to intense heat from the flames. “Two firefighters were lost conducting this action (of backing out),” Jackson told reporters.
The Fire Department of New York was still pounding the smoldering Grande Costa D’Avorio with water hoses Thursday morning as helicopters circled overheard.
Additional personnel arrived at Newark’s Port to aid in putting out the ship fire. Members of the Donjon Marine Company’s Rapid Response Team arrived on scene Thursday, along with reinforcements from Newark Fire Company Engine 11, Newark Ladder 7 and Newark Ladder 5.
The Newark Fire Department Special Operations Team was also at the scene of the fire Thursday morning. An ambulance with Robert Wood Johnson Hospital was also on standby.
A spokeswoman for the city of Newark said more information about the tragedy would be released during a press conference scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at Newark Public Safety Headquarters on Clinton Avenue.
The unions for Port Authority police and the state tweeted condolences Thursday morning to family members of the victims.
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