The U.S. Coast Guard has released images of the fire aboard the Sincerity Ace.
The blaze broke out on commercial vessel earlier this week.
Sixteen of 21 crew members on board were rescued and brought to safety.
The U.S. Coast Guard says four mariners were found unresponsive and could not be revived with life-saving equipment. The search for a final, unaccounted crew member was suspended Wednesday.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
The owner of the vessel released the following statement:
“Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd., manager of the M/V Sincerity Ace, is aware the Coast Guard suspended their active search and rescue operations this evening for our missing crew. The ship is reportedly still on fire in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,800 nautical miles west of Honolulu.
The vessel, a 650-foot car carrier, had a crew of 21 when the fire started early December 31st. The crew battled the fire in an attempt to extinguish it but were not successful and were forced to abandon the vessel.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Navy coordinated rescue efforts of our crew with other merchant ships in the area. Due to difficult search conditions and rough weather, sadly only 16 crew members were rescued.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the crew and their loved ones during this difficult time. Our company is working closely with our crewing department to ensure everyone is being properly cared for.
A tug is en route to the scene and will attempt to take the Sincerity Ace under tow.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, but the manager will work closely with all appropriate authorities to try and determine a cause.
Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd., would like to express their deepest gratitude to all who assisted our crew, especially the 5 Good Samaritan vessels.”
