'We just lost two of our best': Newark firefighters killed in blaze on cargo ship are ID'd
NEWARK — Two firefighters were killed in an overnight blaze on a cargo ship, and officials from throughout the state lauded their heroic actions on Thursday.
Wayne Brooks, 49, and Augusto Acabou, 45, died in the overnight fire, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said.
The two firefighters were missing before they were officially confirmed dead in the fire, which started at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at a ship docked near Corbin and Marsh streets.
“I saw the best of our city last night,” Baraka said about the fire crews' efforts. ”There are no words to describe the courage I saw.
“We just lost two of our best in the city of Newark, two of our bravest here in this city.”
A total of five firefighters were reported injured in the blaze.
The ship had about 5,000 cars on it and is 12 stories high. A mayday went out while the firefighters battled the fire on the 10th to 12th floors. The exact cause of the fire and more information around Brooks' and Acabou's deaths were not yet available.
Firefighters continued to douse the ship Thursday morning as thick black smoke billowed into the air.
Gov. Phil Murphy said the two firefighters made the "ultimate sacrifice" and he hopes for a speedy recovery for those who were injured.
"This tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers our firefighters face and their remarkable courage," Murphy tweeted.
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Crews from Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties responded, as did the New York City Fire Department.
A statement issued by the Newark Firefighters Union said its members were grateful for the outpouring of support.
"Just as we have always been there for the people of Newark in their time of need, you are here for us in our time of need," the statement said. "We will honor the sacrifice of Augie and Bear [Brooks] by continuing to do the job they loved, so if the people of Newark need help, we are still a phone call away."
Fire departments from throughout the region offered condolences to Newark.
"Yesterday, two firemen left their homes and families to begin their tour, protecting the people of the city of Newark," the Newton Fire Department posted. "Unfortunately those firemen were not able to make it back to the end of the tour and back home to their families."
Attorney General Matt Platkin said that "every day, our brave first responders answer the call with courage and selflessness."
Check back for more on this developing story.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Newark NJ firefighters killed in fire on cargo ship identified
