Priority Broadcast Alert – Americas

A Panama-flagged container ship was reportedly on fire at the Port of Los Angeles, United States of America. Reports indicated that at 04:00 UTC an explosion was reported which affected power, lights, and crane operations on the vessel. Reports indicated four of the Port’s seven container terminals have suspended operations. The Port of Los Angeles released a statement saying “A waterside safety zone around the ship has been established and the State Route 47 has been closed due to smoke and visibility concerns. No injuries have been reported and all crew members are accounted for.” All 23 crew members were reportedly safely evacuated from the vessel, no injuries have been reported. Ambrey observed video footage showing local authorities tackling the fire, the fire was observed midship on the starboard side of the vessel. No damage to other merchant vessels was reported. At the time of writing AIS data indicated the vessel had manoeuvred towards the Port of Los Angeles anchorage and began to drift.