Cargo Ship transporting lithium-ion batteries catches fire near Dutch Harbor

The U.S. Coast Guard is responding to a fire on a lithium-ion battery cargo ship near Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The fire is contained but ongoing, and the ship, Genius Star XI, is 225 miles southwest of Dutch Harbor. The Coast Guard has dispatched aircraft and a cutter to assist the vessel, and a security zone will be established around the ship. No injuries or release of oil/hazardous materials have been reported, and the cause of the fire is unknown.

The crew members on board the Genius Star XI are credited with keeping the fire under control, and efforts will continue to safely extinguish the fire and provide necessary medical care for the crew. The ship, registered in Panama and owned by Wisdom Marine Lines SA of Taiwan, was on a voyage from Vietnam to Dutch Harbor. Once rescue operations are complete, an investigation into the cause of the fire will take place. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is prepared to respond, and Alaska U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski has offered assistance if needed.

The Coast Guard will remain on alert around the ship, and efforts are ongoing to safely manage the situation and ensure the well-being of the crew.

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