Port Newark cargo ship fire that killed Firefighters Augusto Acabou, Wayne Brooks Jr. officially put out, Coast Guard says
NEWARK, N.J. -- The cargo ship fire that killed two firefighters last week in Port Newark has officially been put out, U.S. Coast Guard officials announced Tuesday.
"At this time, those concerted efforts have gotten us to a place this morning where we can officially declare the fire is out," Capt. Zeita Merchant said. "While this is a huge milestone and something that we can celebrate, we must not lose sight of the fact that this is merely the first step of a long process, as we now need to consider the salvage and transfer of the vessel, a process that can be hazardous and complex, as well."
"Additionally, and more importantly, we are transitioning to a phase of determining the cause of the fire and related fatalities," she added.
The Italian cargo ship caught fire on July 5 at around 9:30 p.m. as cars were being loaded onto the vessel, according to the ship's operator.
"The holds of the ship where the fire, we believe, originally started, were 1,200 automobiles on nine decks. The superstructure that you're looking at of the ship is essentially a parking garage with ramps and levels in which cars are parked," the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's Bethann Rooney said. "So what we had burning were components and parts of cars. That being said, before they are shipped for transport, the gasoline tanks are all but have a spit in them in order to get them off the ship, batteries are disconnected."
Newark firefighters Augusto Acabou, 45, and Wayne Brooks, Jr., 49, died fighting the fire. Both will be laid to rest later this week.
Five firefighters were also hurt battling the fire, which was extremely challenging. They had to be careful not to fill the vessel with too much water and risk it capsizing, preventing an environmental disaster.
The fire was ultimately contained five days after it broke out. Sources told CBS New York authorities were able to go inside Monday to begin their investigation.
Authorities now say the salvage process could take one to two months.
Officials have been monitoring the air quality and say, so far, no hazardous substances have been identified. Water sampling is still underway, and we are awaiting those results.
The unions that represents Newark firefighters are now raising safety and training concerns.
"It is an emotional time. Now, I wish I wasn't here. I wish I didn't have to do this," said Anthony Tarantino of the Newark Fire Officers Union.
The unions are sounding the alarm, saying firefighters going into the burning steel vessel didn't have adequate training and equipment to battle the blaze.
"Our apparatus are unsafe. For instance, our large-capacity fire boat wouldn't start the day of the fire," Newark Fire Union President Michael Giunta said.
Sources told CBS New York firefighters had to use hoses on the Italian ship that were different from what they were used to handling.
The Newark Fire Officers Union said Newark firefighters have never received a full-scale training to fight ship fires.
"Most of the notices are table top and piece of paper that we are supposed to look over the last training with the port. There was one battalion chief that was sent down there on tour one day," Tarantino said.
Unions also said firefighter staffing in Newark, the largest city in the New Jersey, is dangerously low.
"We are approximately 600 firefighters protecting the city of Newark my first year on the job 24 years ago. Now, we are just under 400 firefighters," Giunta said.
"Most of the department is riding with one captain and two firefighters. Some one and three," Tarantino added.
According to the union, there should be five to six firefighters.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka released a length statement that says, in part:
"As mayor of the city I was born in, it's inconceivable that I would not have the safety, security, and wellbeing of my fellow residents -- my neighbors -- at heart, at all times. I cherish this city -- and every soul in it. I consider it sacred ground.
"Likewise, it's equally inconceivable that I would not also have the wellbeing of those who protect us as a primary focus. Our firefighters are among the most valued members of our community -- as Mayor, I'm committed to making sure they have the resources they need to do their job safely. That is why at the first notification of two firefighters missing, I rushed to the scene and kept vigil until after both were found.
"I find accusations of intentional understaffing and insufficient training of our public safety personnel very hurtful, and a personal affront to everything my administration and I stand for. I find the timing very questionable. I welcome all dialog that will clear up groundless misperceptions and advance the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day for the city they love. I especially look forward to constructive communication one on one with the union, removed from public forum, in addition to a press conference regarding all these matters after we lay these men to rest. Anything else is inappropriate."
The Port Authority and Coast Guard said the salvage operation on the ship could take up to two months.