A major maritime incident unfolded in the North Pacific Ocean recently as a massive car carrier named Morning Midas sank following a devastating onboard fire. The vessel was transporting over 3,000 vehicles, including electric and hybrid cars, from China to Mexico when it caught fire and ultimately sank, raising serious concerns about maritime safety in the age of electric mobility.
The Incident in Detail
The incident occurred on June 3, 2025, when Morning Midas, a 600-foot Liberian-flagged vessel, was en route from Yantai, China to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico. The ship was about 300 miles southwest of Adak Island, Alaska, in remote North Pacific waters when a fire broke out on one of the vehicle decks.
Reports suggest the blaze originated from lithium-ion batteries in the electric vehicles stored aboard. These types of batteries are known for being highly flammable once they overheat or suffer physical damage. The fire quickly spread through multiple decks, despite the crew’s attempt to contain it using the vessel’s onboard carbon dioxide fire suppression system.
Recognizing the uncontrollable nature of the fire and fearing for their lives, the 22 crew members onboard issued a distress signal and abandoned ship into lifeboats.
Crew Rescued in Time
Fortunately, all crew members were rescued by the Cosco Hellas, a nearby container ship that responded to the emergency call. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, no injuries or fatalities occurred during the evacuation, which has been hailed as a textbook example of swift and effective rescue operation in dangerous open-ocean conditions.
Firefighting and Final Sinking
Over the next few weeks, salvage teams tried to control the fire and assess the ship’s stability. However, the continued smoldering of electric vehicle batteries, combined with structural damage caused by intense heat, rendered the ship unsalvageable.
Finally, on June 23, the vessel sank into the Pacific Ocean, at a location around 360 nautical miles from the Alaskan coastline. The site of the sinking lies at a depth of approximately 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), making any further recovery efforts almost impossible.
Environmental Concerns
The incident has sparked a fresh wave of concern among environmental experts and marine safety authorities. A ship loaded with thousands of vehicles—some containing highly reactive battery chemicals—now lies at the bottom of the ocean. While there are no signs of immediate pollution, experts warn that battery leakage, fuel spills, and the release of toxic chemicals could pose long-term environmental threats.
Marine salvage company Resolve Marine, which was tasked with monitoring the aftermath, confirmed that pollution-control vessels are stationed near the site, and further assessments are ongoing.
Rising Risks with EV Transportation
This tragedy has highlighted a growing challenge in the global shipping industry: the safe transportation of electric vehicles. As the number of EVs being shipped across oceans increases, so do the associated risks of onboard fires.
According to insurance experts, EV fires at sea are more difficult to extinguish than conventional fires, often requiring specialized firefighting systems and protocols. A recent study from Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty indicated that over 30% of shipboard fires in 2024 involved lithium-based batteries, a sharp increase from previous years.
Shipping regulators and logistics companies are now under pressure to update fire suppression systems, crew training, and cargo handling protocols to ensure the safe transport of EVs and hybrids.
Economic Impact
Although no official estimate has been released, maritime analysts suggest the value of the cargo aboard Morning Midas could range between $100 million to $150 million, depending on the mix of vehicles and their manufacturers. Additionally, the ship itself is considered a total loss.
The incident has prompted insurers and shipping operators to reconsider premium costs and risk assessments for EV shipments going forward.
Final Thoughts
While all 22 crew members were rescued and no human lives were lost, the sinking of Morning Midas underscores the urgent need to address the complexities of modern cargo transport, especially as electric vehicles become a global standard.
From new safety standards to enhanced emergency protocols, the shipping world must adapt swiftly to this evolving threat—or risk more such disasters at sea. Meanwhile, environmental organizations are calling for increased transparency and real-time monitoring of all deep-sea incidents involving hazardous cargo.