Firefighters killed in cargo ship inferno in Newark identified

Newark officials have identified the two firefighters who died during an overnight inferno on a massive cargo ship moored in Port Newark, New Jersey.

Wayne Brooks Jr., 49, and Augusto Acabou, 45, made the “ultimate sacrifice of the fire service” while battling the blaze, which also injured five other firefighters, Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson told CBS New York.

“Fire service is not just a municipality,” Jackson said. “It’s a brotherhood, a sisterhood throughout the country. And I ask that each of them pray for our brothers.”

The wounded firefighters are still recovering, CBS said, although one remains in the hospital with critical injuries.

The fire erupted on the 12-story ship – named the “Grande Coaster Eadoirio” – at about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday and kept burning through Thursday morning.

Docked near Corbin and Marsh Streets, the ship had reportedly been carrying about 5,000 cars that were slated for refurbishment and sale overseas.

The fire started on the 10th floor, then climbed to the top, CBS said. The US Coast Guard said several of the vehicles caught fire as well.

Jackson detailed the havoc, saying two separate mayday calls pierced the wall of flames.

“We had one of our brothers was lost within the fire,” the chief said. “We had the brave men and women of the Newark Fire Department [who] made the ultimate sacrifice to bring this individual out, and made multiple efforts under extreme conditions, extreme heat.”

“They were able to bring Firefighter Acabou out,” he continued. “Then, we had another mayday, which was Firefighter Wayne Brooks.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka commended the department on its members’ incredible bravery and perseverance.

“I sat there and watched firefighters come out of a fire, take all of their things off in complete exhaustion – from the point of passing out – then, putting the stuff back on minutes later and getting in line to go back in again,” Barak said. “I saw this over and over and over again.”

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a statement Thursday morning in which he extended his “deepest condolences” to the families of the departed.

“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two Newark firefighters, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Murphy said.

“We pray that those injured have a full and speedy recovery. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers our firefighters face and their remarkable courage.”

The ship – which was built in 2011 and can hold more than 47,000 tons – had left Baltimore on a two-day trip, CBS said.

It’s owned by the Grimaldi Group, a family-owned Italian company that specializes in transporting cars over the oceans.

There is still no word on what caused the fire.