UPDATED: NJ Firefighters Killed While Battling Cargo Ship Blaze

NEWARK, NJ — Two firefighters died after they were trapped inside a burning cargo ship at Port Newark on Wednesday night, authorities said.

Newark firefighters responded to Corbin Street and Marsh Street at 9:25 p.m. after getting a call about several vehicles on fire on the Grande Costa D’Avorio, a cargo ship docked at the port.

Firefighters located the blaze at Berth No. 18, level 10, with flames extending to level 12 of the ship. Two maydays were called when the two Newark firefighters became trapped inside the vessel, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety.

A second alarm was called at approximately 11:17 p.m., with mutual aid responses from the Port Authority Police Department, the Jersey City Fire Department, FDNY Special Operations, the Bayonne Fire Department, the Elizabeth Fire Department, the Hackensack Fire Department, Union County Rescue, South Orange EMS, the Millburn Fire Department and other agencies.

The ship’s owner, the Grimaldi Group, told The New York Times that the vessel carried more than 1,200 new and used vehicles and 157 containers, but there was no hazardous cargo on the ship. It was not spilling fuel or in danger of sinking, the company added.

On Thursday, authorities identified the deceased firefighters as Augusto Acabou, 45, and Wayne Brooks Jr., 49.

Acabou served the Newark Fire Division for 9.5 years and was assigned to Engine 16, Tour 1. Brooks served 16.5 years and was assigned to Ladder 4, Tour 1.

Authorities said that three other Newark firefighters were injured: Fire Captain Dave Rogers, who suffered a burn to his foot, Fire Captain Michael Spadavecchia, who suffered from heat exhaustion, and Fire Captain Richard Cooper, who suffered respiratory distress and possible smoke inhalation.

Two firefighters from Elizabeth were also injured while battling the blaze: Firefighter W. White and Firefighter J. Manes. Both men suffered smoke inhalation, authorities said.

The Newark Department of Public Safety released a timeline of the events that transpired Wednesday and Thursday:

• 10:25 p.m. – Newark Firefighters called the first Mayday as two Newark Firefighters became trapped inside the cargo ship
• 10:40 p.m. – Newark Firefighter called the second Mayday
• 11:17 p.m. – 2nd Alarm called
• 11:39 p.m. – Fire Rescue personnel contacted trapped Newark Firefighter Augusto Acabou
• 12:15 a.m. – Injured Elizabeth Rescue Firefighter was transported to University Hospital for treatment
• 12:45 a.m. – Trapped Newark Firefighter Augusto Acabou was located and transported to University Hospital
• 1:11 a.m. – One Newark Firefighter and one Elizabeth Firefighter were reported in stable condition by University Hospital personnel
• 1:11 a.m. – Newark Firefighter Augusto Acabou was pronounced deceased at University Hospital
• 1:20 a.m. – Search continues for second trapped Newark Firefighter Wayne Brooks, Jr.
• 2:25 a.m. – Newark Firefighter Wayne Brooks, Jr. was located within the cargo ship
• 3:05 a.m. – Newark Firefighter Wayne Brooks, Jr. was rescued and transported to University Hospital where he was pronounced deceased

'OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY TODAY'

Several officials issued statements of mourning after learning of the deaths.

“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two Newark firefighters, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Gov. Phil Murphy said.

“Tammy and I extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones, and we pray that those injured have a full and speedy recovery,” Murphy said. “This tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers our firefighters face and their remarkable courage.”

Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver also called the deaths “tragic.”

“Pray for them, pray for their families, friends and co-workers,” she said.

“We honor the tremendous bravery and dedication of firefighters Acabou and Brooks, our two fallen heroes,” Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said. “Each of these men served the Newark Fire Division with an unwavering spirit of selfless commitment to public safety. We salute each of them and offer prayers of comfort to their loved ones, colleagues, and friends.”

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, a Newark resident, said the death of two Newark firefighters in the line of duty is a terrible loss to their family, friends, colleagues and the city.

“They leave behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice, and we owe them our deepest gratitude," Booker said. “My heart goes out to their loved ones in this time of grief.”

Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, who represents Newark, said she was devastated to learn of the loss of two local heroes.

“Our hearts are with their families, those injured and the entire Newark Fire Department,” Ruiz said. “We may not know each other personally, but today we are one Newark family. Let us always remember their courage and sacrifice, as we pray for the safety of the brave men and women who risk their lives every day protecting our families, businesses and communities.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said the entire community is mourning for the fallen firemen.

“We will remember these brave and courageous men for their dedication to duty,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and for the safety of all the firefighters battling that blaze.”

“This is a sad day for all of Newark,” Mayor Ras Baraka said at a news conference on Thursday (watch the video below).“Last night, I saw Newark’s bravest struggling with every ounce of their strength, and every measure of their training, to rescue and save their brothers who became trapped,” Baraka said.

“There are no words to describe the courage I saw,” he continued. “There are no words to describe our firefighters’ passionate commitment to each other. There are no words to describe their love for one another. So many broken hearts today — but none more broken than those belonging to the families of Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks Jr., everyone who loved those two men, and their brothers and sisters in the fire department. Our hearts go out to all those who grieve their tremendous loss today.”

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