Cargo Ship Officer Testifies in Hearing on Fatal Fire

Preliminary Investigation Reveals Lack of Maritime Firefighting Training in Newark Fire Department

Benito LaFauci, the chief mate of the Grande Costa D’Avorio, broke down in tears during a hearing into the cause of the July 5 fire that killed two Newark Fire Department Captains.
The ship, owned by the Grimaldi Group, was being loaded with 1,200 vehicles bound for foreign markets at Port Newark when the fire broke out.
LaFauci detailed the crew's efforts to fight the blaze, including the use of handheld fire extinguishers, a firefighting hose connected to a water delivery system, and a carbon dioxide fire suppression system.
The families of the deceased firefighters announced plans in October to sue Grimaldi and two stevedore companies involved in loading the vessel.
A preliminary investigation indicated that the Newark Fire Department had little to no maritime firefighting training, experience or familiarization with cargo ships of any type.