The Coast Guard was notified by Jacksonville Sheriffs Office personnel that the 486-foot German container ship, the Ara J, was on fire at the Blount Island Terminal in the Port of Jacksonville.
Coast Guard units from the Marine Safety Office Jacksonville and Station Mayport responded to the Blount Island Terminal to establish a safety zone around the Ara J. Coast Guard Marine Safety inspectors are also on scene to provide technical assistance for any shipboard fire-fighting on the Ara J. Jacksonville Fire Rescue is leading the firefighting efforts.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time. The Coast Guard will investigate the cause of the incident.