A fire erupted Friday on a large container ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles, prompting a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby communities due to concerns about hazardous materials onboard. All 23 crew members were safely accounted for, and no injuries were reported.
The incident on the One Henry Hudson, a 1,102-foot vessel operated by One Ocean Express, underscores the inherent risks associated with global shipping and the potential for disruption at one of North America’s busiest seaports. The Port of Los Angeles handles a meaningful volume of trade, and any incident impacting operations can have ripple effects on supply chains and the regional economy.Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and assessing any environmental impact.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the blaze, which originated below deck and spread to multiple levels, culminating in an explosion mid-deck. More than 100 firefighters worked through the night to contain the fire.
Mayor Karen Bass announced Saturday morning the lifting of the shelter-in-place order for areas surrounding the port, including Wilmington and San Pedro, via a post on X. “The shelter in place order has been lifted for the Los Angeles port communities, including Wilmington and San Pedro,” Bass stated.The U.S. Coast Guard established a one-nautical-mile safety zone around the ship. The One Henry Hudson had recently arrived from Japan, with prior stops in Kobe, Nagoya, and Tokyo.
One Ocean Express, headquartered in Singapore, has not yet responded to requests for comment from the Associated Press. The fire department has identified hazardous materials aboard the vessel, but details have not been released. The examination into the fire’s origin is ongoing.
