Major electrical blaze aboard One Henry Hudson at Port of Los Angeles forces full crew evacuation; hazmat teams monitor air
A significant electrical fire broke out Friday, November 21, 2025, aboard the cargo ship One Henry Hudson at the Port of Los Angeles. All 23 crew members were evacuated; hazmat teams are monitoring air after a mid-deck explosion.
- All 23 crew members were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.
- Fire began below deck (~6:38 p.m.); a mid-deck explosion was reported around 8:00 p.m., damaging power systems and complicating response.
- Hazardous materials were found in affected cargo bays; hazmat teams are conducting air monitoring and testing.
- Large emergency response: more than 180 firefighters, marine units, thermal drones and specialized hazmat crews were deployed.
What happened: timeline and investigation
Timeline: The blaze began below deck at about 6:38 p.m. on Friday and spread quickly across multiple levels of the container ship. Around 8:00 p.m., responders reported a mid-deck explosion that damaged the ship’s power systems, knocked out lights and crane operations, and made internal firefighting efforts more hazardous.
City and port officials indicated the fire appeared to be electrical in origin, but investigators have not yet confirmed a final cause. Responders continued suppression and assessment while evidence and crew statements are collected for a formal investigation.
Evacuation and crew safety
Crew: Initial reports noted some crew members were unaccounted for in the first hour. By about 8:30 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that all 23 crew members had been rescued and accounted for. No injuries were reported among the crew or emergency responders.
The vessel was berthed at the Yusen Container Terminal; port leadership and city officials were monitoring the incident and coordinating response.
Source notes: reporting from the Los Angeles Times and the ABC News, and updates from the Port of Los Angeles.
Hazardous materials and air monitoring
Officials declared a major emergency primarily because hazardous materials were identified in several affected cargo containers. Specialized hazmat crews in full protective suits and oxygen masks entered staging areas to test and monitor air quality around the terminal.
“At the time of reporting, authorities had not detected off-site contamination, but monitoring for toxins and emissions remained ongoing.”
The presence of unknown or dangerous cargo complicated access to lower decks and slowed internal containment efforts. Incident command ordered that no ship crew re-enter below-deck spaces until hazmat teams declared areas safe.
Firefighting and containment strategy
More than 180 firefighters, marine firefighting units, port fire teams and land crews coordinated to cool the vessel’s exterior while minimizing personnel exposure to hazardous cargo. Drones with thermal imaging were used to locate hot spots and guide tactical suppression.
Responders used many tons of water but reported the vessel remained stable with no visible sign of sinking. Command prioritized remote cooling, containment and air monitoring until internal conditions were verified safe.
Vessel background and shipping route
The One Henry Hudson is Panamanian-flagged and operated by One Ocean Express, a Singapore-based carrier. Port records indicated the ship arrived from Tokyo two days prior, with earlier stops in Kobe and Nagoya, and was berthed at the Yusen Container Terminal when the incident occurred.
Because the vessel is internationally registered and operated, multiple agencies — federal, state and local — may participate in the investigation and any subsequent regulatory reviews.
Official statements and public alerts
The Port of Los Angeles posted updates indicating emergency crews were on scene and that port leadership and city officials were closely monitoring the response. Mayor Karen Bass and other leaders were briefed. At the time of reporting there were no shelter-in-place orders or residential evacuations, but the public was urged to avoid the waterfront and follow emergency personnel guidance.
Community impact and environmental watch
Authorities had not confirmed environmental contamination, but because hazardous materials were involved, shoreline checks and ongoing air quality monitoring continued. Local residents and terminal workers were advised to stay informed and heed official updates.
Video and on-scene reporting showed heavy firefighting activity on both land and water, illustrating the scale of the response and the importance of continued environmental surveillance.
Investigation and next steps
Officials said the cause remained under investigation. Investigators will seek to determine the electrical fire’s point of origin, how hazardous materials were stored and declared on the ship’s manifest, and whether safety protocols were followed during unloading and berthing.
The ship’s international registry and operator are likely to be asked for records, crew statements and maintenance logs. Federal agencies could become involved if mislabeling or other violations are suspected.
Multimedia and eyewitness reporting
Several video reports and eyewitness clips captured flames, smoke and firefighting vessels working at the scene. Visual footage also showed use of thermal drones to locate heat signatures and guide suppression strategy.
Key video sources include three on-scene clips: video 1, video 2, and video 3.
Implications for San Diego, California
Economic: The Port of Los Angeles is a major West Coast hub. A prolonged shutdown or restricted operations could slow cargo flow, raise shipping costs and create ripple effects for ports and logistics businesses in San Diego.
Public safety and planning: The incident highlights cross-jurisdiction risks and may prompt San Diego emergency planners to review hazmat readiness, mutual-aid agreements, and air monitoring protocols.
Environmental vigilance: Even without confirmed off-site contamination, regional air quality surveillance and shoreline monitoring remain important to protect public health.
Operational coordination: The event underscores the need for joint training between marine firefighting units, port operators and municipal responders to ensure fast, safe responses to similar incidents.
Sources and reporting notes
- Los Angeles Times
- ABC News (wire)
- Port of Los Angeles news release
- YouTube: scene video 1
- YouTube: scene video 2
- YouTube: scene video 3
Developing story
This is a developing story. Recovery and investigative operations are ongoing at the Port of Los Angeles. More updates are expected from the Los Angeles Fire Department, the Port of Los Angeles and federal investigators. Readers should follow official channels and local authorities for the latest verified information.
