June 9 Update

An United States Coast Guard conducted an overflight of the 183 meter long, 12250 dwt car carrier Morning Midas (IMO: 9289910).  The car carrier is now approximately 260 miles southwest of Adak. The car carrier shows extensive fire and heat damage to the entire vessel. Smoke can still be seen coming from the car decks below. 

The salvage tug Gretchen Dunlap was reported to be on scene with salvage personnel. Reports state they have started a full assessment of the vessel.  Two more salvage vessels are scheduled to arrive on scene within the next two weeks.

The Coast Guard is closely monitoring weather conditions.  They report that conditions were 45-50 knot winds and 6-foot seas.

 

June 7 Update

The 183 meter long, 12250 dwt car carrier Morning Midas (IMO: 9289910) continues to be on fire and adrift in the North Pacific Ocean south of Adak, Alaska. The fire has consumed multiple car decks and hull damage is now clearly visible. The stern of the Morning Midas is now sitting lower in the water and a sheen of oil pollution can be seen following the vessel.

The owners had requested a tugboat with fire fighting capabilities but the vessel wont arrived on site until June 9. The United States Coast Guard continues to do aerial monitoring of the Morning Midas.  Reports state the car carrier may be lost before the tugboat arrives. If the fire intensity continues for a few more days, the car carrier’s hull integrity might just fail and the Morning Midas would sink.