Jin Hai Ping Rescues 22 From COSCO Car Carrier Fire 600 nm Off Costa Rica

3 articles · Updated · The Maritime Executive · Aug 9

Twenty-two seafarers were pulled from lifeboats after the Min Jiang Kou caught fire about 600 nautical miles southeast of Costa Rica during a Pacific crossing to Ecuador.
An engine-room fire triggered the distress call on Thursday; the crew used the ship’s CO2 flooding system, but smoke later intensified and the master ordered abandonment.
Jin Hai Ping recovered all 22 crew by 1220 Friday, while tanker Degu also responded after the U.S. Coast Guard sought nearby help through the AMVER network.
The master initially stayed aboard to monitor conditions, and the vessel is now coordinating with Resolve Marine on a safe recovery plan.
Jin Hai Ping is due to take the rescued crew to shore at Akita, Japan, underscoring the long-range international response required in remote Pacific waters.