The owners of the containership ONE Henry Hudson have initiated a General Average declaration after a prolonged fire incident at the Port of Los Angeles, marking it as one of the most complex salvage operations in recent memory. The vessel returned to its berth at Yusen Terminal on Wednesday, where efforts shifted from firefighting to the orderly removal of damaged cargo and contaminated firefighting water. Richards Hogg Lindley has been engaged as Average Adjusters to facilitate communications between cargo interests and their insurers.
The fire erupted in lower-deck compartments last Friday while the ship was docked. All 23 crewmembers were successfully evacuated, and nearly 200 firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department battled the blaze. An explosion that night disrupted the ship’s power, forcing responders to retreat and manage the situation from the shore.
As salvage operations commence, logistical challenges abound. Cargo will be inspected and categorized based on the extent of damage. Meanwhile, contaminated firefighting water will be safely disposed of according to established protocols. The Port of Los Angeles expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts to quell the fire, emphasizing community safety.
Monitoring of air quality by L.A. Port Police remains ongoing, with all readings staying within safe limits. The incident temporarily interrupted port activities and sparked a joint investigation by the Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board to determine the fire’s cause.
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