A major fire broke out at the newly built Chugach Glacier Gateway Cruise Terminal in Whittier, Alaska, on Monday, September 14, sending flames and thick smoke across the waterfront.
The U.S. Coast Guard received the first report at approximately 11 a.m. The fire affected the terminal pier and the Klondike Express, a tour boat operated by Phillips Cruises & Tours that was moored alongside the dock.
No passengers were aboard the tour boat when the fire started. The vessel was released from the pier and moved away before firefighters extinguished the flames onboard. Images released following the incident showed visible damage to the vessel.
Norwegian Jade was also docked at the terminal when the emergency unfolded. Before moving away, the cruise ship assisted the firefighting operation by spraying powerful streams of water from its upper decks toward the burning dock.
As conditions became more dangerous, the captain and crew safely moved Norwegian Jade away from the terminal and repositioned the ship across the bay, where passengers were able to board. No damage to the cruise ship was reported.
Passenger Shawn McMaster praised the captain and crew for handling the emergency professionally and keeping guests informed throughout the incident.
Multiple agencies responded, including Whittier Fire, Girdwood Fire and Rescue, Anchorage Fire, LifeMed Alaska and the Coast Guard. A Coast Guard response boat and crew from Station Valdez were also sent to the scene.
Authorities established a 500-yard safety zone around the terminal and asked residents and mariners to remain clear while emergency crews worked. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel was temporarily closed to allow first responders to reach Whittier.
There were no reported injuries. Officials also confirmed that all 2,000 gallons of diesel aboard the Klondike Express were accounted for and no fuel sheen was detected in the water.
The cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage to the terminal remain under investigation.
Despite the dramatic scenes, Norwegian Jade was able to continue its scheduled voyage. The quick response by the ship’s captain and crew, who actively supported the firefighting effort before moving the vessel to safety, helped prevent the emergency from becoming even more serious.
