The containership ONE Henry Hudson returned to its dock at Yusen Terminal late Wednesday night. This marked a shift from active firefighting efforts to what officials describe as the most technically challenging phase: the careful removal and disposal of fire-damaged cargo and thousands of gallons of contaminated water from firefighting efforts.
The ship's return, escorted by Los Angeles Port Police, fireboats, the U.S. Coast Guard, and tug operators, concludes several days of emergency response that began last Friday evening when a fire broke out in the ship's lower deck while it was docked. All 23 crew members were safely evacuated, and nearly 200 firefighters from Los Angeles City responded to the fire.
A mid-ship explosion that night disabled the vessel’s power, forcing crews to retreat and battle the flames from the dock. After identifying hazardous materials, Unified Command ordered the ship to be moved offshore, where it was anchored about one mile from Angel’s Gate Lighthouse to continue firefighting efforts.
“The initial firefighting response, moving the vessel to a safe location, and bringing it back to the dock were all crucial operations that required careful planning and execution,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Stacey Crecy, the Incident Commander. “Now we enter a new phase where we will properly remove and dispose of the damaged cargo and firefighting water. I’m confident the team will carry out this work safely and efficiently.”
Salvage teams continuously monitored the situation for heat signatures during the transit, and none were detected. Longshore labor crews completed securing operations Wednesday afternoon while the vessel remained anchored.
The next phase presents major logistical challenges. Cargo inspections will classify containers as fire-damaged, water-damaged, or intact. The salvage group DONJON-SMIT, which has temporarily taken charge of the vessel, has brought in experts from around the world to assist with the operation. Hold 03 of the cargo hold is estimated to be 80% flooded from the initial firefighting efforts, although the vessel's stability remains acceptable.
All waste on board, including the firefighting water, will be disposed of according to an approved waste management plan, with contaminated water being taken to treatment facilities.
“This collaboration not only highlights the strength of partnership among various agencies but also reaffirms our shared commitment to protecting our communities,” said Gary Herrera, ILWU Local 13 President. “For 90 years, the ILWU has played a vital role in linking domestic and international trade, showing why dockworkers are crucial to our national security and economy.”
Air quality monitoring by L.A. Port Police continues, with all measurements staying below state and federal action levels. No impacts have been found outside the designated safety zone. The Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are jointly investigating the cause of the incident.
The incident temporarily closed four of the seven container terminals and led to the closure of State Route 47 due to smoke, although port operations have now resumed.
“We are thankful to our partners for successfully containing and extinguishing the fire on the container ship ONE Henry Hudson,” the Port of Los Angeles stated. “With community safety as the top priority, their courageous efforts made the safe transport of the ship possible.”
The Unified Command includes the U.S. Coast Guard, the Port of L.A. Port Police Department, and the ship’s Qualified Individual, with the L.A. Fire Department providing support.