Cargo discharge operations on the fire-damaged container ship ONE Henry Hudson have been suspended as crews begin pumping contaminated firefighting water from an affected cargo hold.
According to the Port of Los Angeles officials, a barge was brought to the terminal to carry out water discharge operations, forcing a temporary halt to cargo recovery. The vessel remains under the supervision of the US Coast Guard, and any resumption of cargo handling will require official approval.
The incident stems from a fire that broke out in late November while the ship was berthed, affecting lower-deck compartments. All 23 crew members were safely evacuated as firefighters battled the blaze. A mid-ship explosion during the incident caused a loss of power, prompting crews to withdraw and continue firefighting efforts from the pier.
Authorities described the response as one of the most technically complex salvage operations recently undertaken at the port. The focus has now shifted to the controlled removal of damaged cargo and large volumes of firefighting water, with contaminated waste being transported to approved treatment facilities.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
