NEARLY 4000 LUXURY CARS SANK AFTER A CARGO SHIP FIRE IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN ON FEBRUARY 2022

Описание: In February 2022, a dramatic maritime disaster unfolded in the Atlantic Ocean when the cargo ship Felicity Ace caught fire while transporting nearly 4,000 luxury vehicles from Europe to the United States. The ship, a 200-meter-long roll-on/roll-off vessel, was en route to ports in North America when a fire broke out deep within its cargo decks. Despite efforts to control the blaze, the intensity of the fire forced all 22 crew members to abandon the ship. Fortunately, they were safely rescued by nearby vessels.
The cargo aboard Felicity Ace was extraordinarily valuable, consisting of high-end vehicles from prestigious manufacturers such as Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Audi. Many of these cars were brand-new and destined for dealerships and customers in the U.S. As the fire burned uncontrollably for nearly two weeks, the ship drifted in the open ocean, with salvage teams struggling to assess and contain the damage.
Investigators later focused on the possible role of lithium-ion batteries, particularly from electric and hybrid vehicles onboard, as a contributing factor to the fire’s severity. Lithium-ion battery fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish, as they can reignite and burn at extremely high temperatures. While no single cause was officially confirmed, the presence of electric vehicles raised serious concerns within the global shipping industry.
Ultimately, during towing operations toward a safe harbor near the Azores, the weakened vessel took on water and sank, carrying all vehicles to the ocean floor. The loss was estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars, making it one of the most expensive cargo ship disasters in recent history.
The Felicity Ace incident served as a wake-up call for maritime regulators, insurers, and automakers alike. It highlighted the urgent need for updated fire-safety standards, improved ship design, and specialized protocols as electric vehicles become an increasingly common part of global trade.