Coast Guard Station Mayport and partner agencies respond to fire on board the M/V Hoegh Xiamen, a 600-foot vehicle carrier, at Blount Island in Jacksonville, Florida. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jessica Maldonado Gonzalez)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies are responding to fire on board a cargo ship at Blount Island.
All 21 crew members have been safely accounted for.
Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville watchstanders were notified at 3:53 p.m. of a fire on board the M/V Höegh Xiamen, a 600-foot vehicle carrier. The watchstanders immediately notified Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of a Coast Guard Station Mayport 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew.
Currently on scene are:
- Coast Guard Station Mayport 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew
- Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department
- Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
- Blount Island Port Authority
A 500-yard safety zone has been established around the M/V Höegh Xiamen. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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