NEWARK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — Two firefighters were killed battling a raging fire on a cargo ship hauling 5,000 cars at Port Newark on Wednesday night, officials said.
Newark officials identified the fallen firefighters as Augusto Acabou, 45, of Engine 16, and Wayne Brooks, 49, of Ladder 4. Five other firefighters were injured.
Firefighters responding to a report of a fire on the Grande Costa D'Avorio around 9:30 p.m. found five to seven vehicles on fire on the 10th floor. The flames quickly extended to the 11th and 12th floors, according to officials.
At a news conference, Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson said firefighters tried to extinguish the fire but were "pushed back by the intense heat."
"Two firefighters were lost while conducting this action of backing out of the structure," Jackson said.
The two firefighters colleagues were initially unable to find them, and outside rescue companies from around the state were called in. They were eventually found dead.
Jackson called shipboard firefighting "a unique skill" and said this type of fire is uncommon for Newark firefighters to face.
"Although this is a difficult fire, a different type of fire, they're still willing to put themselves on the line for others," the chief said. "This is a unique service that we’re in. We love what we do. We love each other and we protect each other. It’s unfortunate when we have loss. This is a tragedy. This is something that I as a chief never want to face, but we have to be there, we have to be strong for the family at this point."
"We lost two firefighters today," said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. "A tragedy for us in the city of Newark and tragic for all firefighters who know what it means to go in a burning structure in a danger that you are going to have to experience when you do so."
The FDNY raced to Newark to help with the operation, the department said. The U.S. Coast Guard also responded.
Some firefighters were transported to University Hospital in Newark.
The scene remained active near Suez and March streets on Thursday morning.
The Grimaldi Group, an Italian company that owns the ship, said in a statement that the cause of the fire is currently unknown but that it will "undertake a full investigation in close cooperation with all relevant authorities."
Marine traffic trackers show the ship, which was built in 2011, arrived from the Port of Baltimore several days ago.
In a statement, Gov. Phil Murphy said, "Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two Newark firefighters, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty."
"Tammy and I extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones, and we pray that those injured have a full and speedy recovery," the governor continued. "This tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers our firefighters face and their remarkable courage."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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