Coast Guard Releases New Report on Port Newark Cargo Ship Fire That Killed Two Newark Firefighters
Federal investigation details how a “pusher vehicle” fire, a critical door that couldn’t be secured, and shipboard-fire tactics shaped a five-day inferno
NEWARK, N.J. — The U.S. Coast Guard has released a Report of Investigation (ROI) into the July 5, 2023 fire aboard the Italian-flagged roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel Grande Costa D’Avorio at Berth 18 in Port Newark, an incident that killed Newark firefighters Augusto “Augie” Acabou and Wayne “Bear” Brooks Jr.
The Coast Guard said the fire started late that evening, burned for five days, and caused an estimated $23 million in damage.
Fire Began During Vehicle Loading on an Interior Garage Deck
Federal investigators concluded the initiating event was a mechanical failure in a Jeep used as a “pusher vehicle” during cargo loading—likely an overheated transmission that expelled flammable fluid onto hot engine/exhaust components, igniting the engine compartment and spreading to surrounding vehicles on decks 10 and 11.
CO₂ Suppression Was Undercut by the Inability to Secure a Key Door
The report highlights the vessel’s fixed low-pressure CO₂ suppression system, but states the system’s effectiveness was significantly reduced by the inability to close WTD-12, a large weathertight door/ramp opening. The ROI describes how the door could not be closed in early stages due to intense heat/smoke at the opening and the risk to any crewmember who would have had to stay at the controls—located inside the hazardous area.
The investigation also cites fire modeling indicating the open state of WTD-12 was the most significant factor preventing the CO₂ system from effectively suppressing the fire.
Firefighting Operations, Oxygen Reintroduction, and a Worsening Environment
The ROI states that after the CO₂ discharge, additional oxygen was reintroduced into the space as firefighters accessed decks through ladderwell doors, contributing to a dangerous reflash. It also states deck ventilation was later activated to support the search—further introducing oxygen and worsening fire conditions on another deck.
What the Reports Say About the Firefighters’ Deaths
Correction: The federal investigations do not conclude the firefighters died because a cargo deck collapsed.
The Coast Guard report documents a mayday with firefighters lost on deck 10, and states both firefighters ultimately succumbed to smoke inhalation including carbon monoxide intoxication.
The NTSB likewise states the medical examiner determined the primary cause of death was smoke inhalation, including carbon monoxide intoxication.
Injuries to Other Responders
The Coast Guard report states six other first responders sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including heat exhaustion/fatigue/smoke inhalation, a head injury from a fall, and burns after a firefighter’s boots failed.
Safety Recommendations and Next Steps
The Coast Guard said the ROI produced five safety recommendations, six administrative recommendations, five findings of concern, and one safety alert, with a Commandant’s memorandum describing follow-up actions.
Among the safety recommendations: updating fire-drill requirements and expanding in-port preparedness—such as in-port fire drills before cargo operations—and updates involving NFPA standards and marine firefighting contingency plans.
Criminal Liability
The Coast Guard report states there was no evidence to support referral of a potential federal criminal violation related to the incident.
Federal investigation details how a “pusher vehicle” fire, a critical door that couldn’t be secured, and shipboard-fire tactics shaped a five-day inferno
NEWARK, N.J. — The U.S. Coast Guard has released a Report of Investigation (ROI) into the July 5, 2023 fire aboard the Italian-flagged roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel Grande Costa D’Avorio at Berth 18 in Port Newark, an incident that killed Newark firefighters Augusto “Augie” Acabou and Wayne “Bear” Brooks Jr.
The Coast Guard said the fire started late that evening, burned for five days, and caused an estimated $23 million in damage.
Fire Began During Vehicle Loading on an Interior Garage Deck
Federal investigators concluded the initiating event was a mechanical failure in a Jeep used as a “pusher vehicle” during cargo loading—likely an overheated transmission that expelled flammable fluid onto hot engine/exhaust components, igniting the engine compartment and spreading to surrounding vehicles on decks 10 and 11.
CO₂ Suppression Was Undercut by the Inability to Secure a Key Door
The report highlights the vessel’s fixed low-pressure CO₂ suppression system, but states the system’s effectiveness was significantly reduced by the inability to close WTD-12, a large weathertight door/ramp opening. The ROI describes how the door could not be closed in early stages due to intense heat/smoke at the opening and the risk to any crewmember who would have had to stay at the controls—located inside the hazardous area.
The investigation also cites fire modeling indicating the open state of WTD-12 was the most significant factor preventing the CO₂ system from effectively suppressing the fire.
Firefighting Operations, Oxygen Reintroduction, and a Worsening Environment
The ROI states that after the CO₂ discharge, additional oxygen was reintroduced into the space as firefighters accessed decks through ladderwell doors, contributing to a dangerous reflash. It also states deck ventilation was later activated to support the search—further introducing oxygen and worsening fire conditions on another deck.
What the Reports Say About the Firefighters’ Deaths
Correction: The federal investigations do not conclude the firefighters died because a cargo deck collapsed.
The Coast Guard report documents a mayday with firefighters lost on deck 10, and states both firefighters ultimately succumbed to smoke inhalation including carbon monoxide intoxication.
The NTSB likewise states the medical examiner determined the primary cause of death was smoke inhalation, including carbon monoxide intoxication.
Injuries to Other Responders
The Coast Guard report states six other first responders sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including heat exhaustion/fatigue/smoke inhalation, a head injury from a fall, and burns after a firefighter’s boots failed.
Safety Recommendations and Next Steps
The Coast Guard said the ROI produced five safety recommendations, six administrative recommendations, five findings of concern, and one safety alert, with a Commandant’s memorandum describing follow-up actions.
Among the safety recommendations: updating fire-drill requirements and expanding in-port preparedness—such as in-port fire drills before cargo operations—and updates involving NFPA standards and marine firefighting contingency plans.
Criminal Liability
The Coast Guard report states there was no evidence to support referral of a potential federal criminal violation related to the incident.
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