A significant fire has engulfed the Morning Midas (IMO: 9289910), a 5,000 CEU vehicle carrier, marking the 13th serious fire incident aboard large ro-ro vessels in the past decade—and the third such event in 2025 alone.
The blaze broke out while the Morning Midas was sailing in the Pacific Ocean. All 22 crew members aboard the 2006-built vessel were safely evacuated via lifeboat after onboard firefighting efforts were abandoned. They were later rescued by the passing 9,000 TEU containership Cosco Hellas (IMO: 9308510).
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The vessel, owned by Zodiac Maritime, was transporting a cargo that included 70 electric vehicles and 681 hybrid-electric cars, raising questions about the risks associated with transporting EVs at sea.
While the crew of the Morning Midas was fortunate to escape unharmed, not all past Ro-Ro fire incidents have ended without casualties. The growing frequency of such incidents continues to raise concerns across the maritime industry about vessel safety and the handling of increasingly complex cargo types.
IoT and maritime sensors can help with the early detection of fires and reduce risk, cost and harm.
