USCG, Multiple Vessels Responding to Major Fire on Vehicle Carrier in Pacific Ocean

Updated: October 24, 2023 (Originally published December 31, 2018)

Update (1/2/2019): AIS Animation Shows Commercial Response

Update (1/1/2019): Sincerity Ace Abandoned in Pacific Ocean 

The U.S. Coast Guard and several commercial vessels are responding to a reported ‘significant’ vessel fire on the vehicle carrier Sincerity Ace approximately 1,800 nautical miles northwest of Oahu in high seas, Monday.

At least one commercial vessel, the Green Lake, is on scene and assessing possible assistance and rescue options, with three additional commercial vessels and a Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircrew en route, according to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) in Honolulu received notification from JRCC Japan at 1:04 a.m. of the situation. Watchstanders in Honolulu immediately issued a SafetyNet broadcast requesting the assistance of vessels in the area and directed the launch of the Hercules from Air Station Barbers Point.

The master of the Sincerity Ace reported a significant vessel fire, with ongoing firefighting efforts and an intent to abandon ship, the Coast Guard said.

The crew was able to launch one of the life rafts, and four of the 21 mariners abandoned ship with lifejackets, according to the Coast Guard. It is unconfirmed if they reached the life raft upon entering the water. The remaining 17 crew are reportedly continuing to fight the fire.

Weather was reported as 17-foot seas with winds at 26 mph.

“The distance involved here requires any and all available support, we thank the crews of the commercial vessels for volunteering to assist and have Coast Guard air support en route,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Les Elliott of JRCC Honolulu.

“We are thankful no injuries have been reported but are cognizant a lot is happening, and that may change at any time,” said Elliott.

Major fire on vehicle carrier Sincerity Ace in Pacific Ocean about 1,800nm NW of Oahu. Master has signaled intent to abandon ship. 21 crew members, 4 have abandoned ship in lifejackets with status unknown. Several merchant vessels responding. Vessel sailing from Japan to Hawaii.

— Mike Schuler (@MikeSchuler) December 31, 2018

The 650-foot (199-meter) Sincerity Ace is a Panamanian-flagged car carrier and was on a voyage from Yokohama, Japan to Honolulu, Hawaii. The ship was built in 2009 and has capacity of 6,400 vehicles. It is managed by Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd.

Of the responding commercial vessels, the Green Lake is a 655-foot U.S.-flagged car carrier traveling from Japan to the U.S. mainland. The second vessel is a Panamanian-flagged LNG tanker, the 968-foot SM Eagle on a voyage from the U.S. mainland to Korea. Two additional vessels, a car carrier, and a tanker were also en route.

The Coast Guard said it was also launching a second Hercules from Air Station Barbers Point. Both aircraft are equipped with self locating datum marker buoys.

The Coast Guard said it was also launching a second Hercules from Air Station Barbers Point. Both aircraft are equipped with self locating datum marker buoys to track positions and additional search and rescue equipment such as life rafts and survival gear that can be dropped to survivors.

In addition to the Coast Guard aircraft, the U.S. Navy was expected to be providing a fixed wing aircraft to assist in search efforts.

The Coast Guard reported that the responding commercial vessels are part of AMVER, or the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System, a worldwide voluntary reporting system sponsored by the United States Coast Guard. It is a computer-based global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates… 

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