VIDEO: What began in the waning hours of July 5, 2023, carried over to the next morning – and days and days to come. A cargo ship packed with more than 1,000 vehicles burst into flames at Port Newark. Firefighters rushed on board, but two would never make it out alive.
Augusto “Auggie” Acabou and Wayne Brooks Jr. both died battling the cargo ship fire. A lengthy investigation revealed the fire aboard the Grimaldi Grande Costa d'Avorio originated from a Jeep Wrangler used by crew members to push other vehicles on board.
As the beloved men were laid to rest, their loved ones grieved and pushed for answers.
In the wake of the tragedy, lawsuits were filed, hearings were held and there was a determination to find out – why.
Acabou and Brooks were both promoted to the rank of captain following the tragedy.