COSCO Car Carrier Catches Fire off Costa Rica; 22 Seafarers Rescued

On Thursday last week, a fire broke out in the engine room of the Chinese car carrier Min Jiang Kou, located approximately 600 nautical miles southeast of Costa Rica's Pacific coast. The incident was first reported at about 1300 hours, when the vessel sent an Inmarsat distress alert to the U.S. Coast Guard. According to The Maritime Executive, the crew had attempted to extinguish the fire using carbon dioxide (CO2) flooding, which initially contained the blaze but later led to increased smoke.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Coast Guard engaged nearby merchant vessels through the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER). Two ships, the motor vessel Jin Hai Ping and the motor tanker Degu, responded promptly. At 12:21 p.m. on Friday, all 22 seafarers were safely recovered by the Jin Hai Ping, which transported them to Akita, Japan.

The incident underscores the maritime community's commitment to assistance during emergencies. As MarineLink quoted Captain Jessica Davila of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Southwest District: "The willingness of fellow mariners to answer a distress call reminds us of the extraordinary commitment the maritime community shares to protecting life at sea." The ship is currently coordinating with Resolve Marine for further repairs, and there are no reported environmental impacts as of now.

The event highlights the importance of robust emergency response protocols and the role that coordinated international efforts play in ensuring seafarers' safety. For operators, it serves as a reminder to maintain vigilance and be prepared to act swiftly should similar situations arise on their vessels.