The PCTC Sincerity Ace caught fire Dec 31, 1800 nautical miles west of Hawaii. The crew attempted to fight the fire, but has since abandoned ship. 16 were picked up safe, 3 were found deceased in the water, and 2 are missing.

A car fire is a job by itself. Put that car fire in an enclosed space, with additional vehicles in very close proximity, and the fire has the potential to become very large very quickly. A photo posted to social media shows the ship with significant damage to the side of the ship reaching from the upper part of the Blue section, right to the top of the vessel. This suggests multiple decks are involved. – the area of the fire would be where the ramps between decks are located, providing a channel for fire spread.

Controlling the fire will likely prove to be very difficult, as there will be limited direct access to the flames without boarding the vessel. the fire will probably need to burn itself out, then the salvagers can put out any hot spots.

Burning Car Carrier Sincerity Ace Abandoned in Pacific Ocean; Two Missing, Three Fatalities Confirmed https://t.co/h2OjFErAHK

— gCaptain (@gCaptain) January 2, 2019

The ship was built in 2009, and is part of the MOL car carrier fleet. The ship called at Autoport once in February 2013.

UPDATE: Jan 4/19

Sincerity Ace is reportedly still on fire and listing to starboard. the search for the one remaining unaccounted for crew member has been called off.

Fires on Car carriers are not a new Issue. Last year the Honor caught fire after a recalled part in a car aboard the ship triggered the blaze. Another Ship, Courage had a similar fire in 2015.

Here's some video footage of the Sincerity Ace on fire in the Pacific Ocean. #SincerityAce pic.twitter.com/wA7tQca1HF

— Mike Schuler (@MikeSchuler) January 4, 2019

in May 2018, the Auto Banner Caught fire in port in Korea, leading to the dramatic video above.