Fire disables USS Higgins in Indo-Pacific, power lost
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SAN DIEGO — A major fire aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins disabled the vessel and caused a total loss of power and propulsion in the Indo-Pacific region on Wednesday evening.
The incident occurred at 19:15 UTC on April 30, 2026. The U.S. Navy confirmed the ship is currently non-operational following the event. Emergency response teams have been deployed to the scene to assess damage and assist the crew.
The fire originated in an engine room compartment, quickly spreading and triggering an automatic shutdown of the ship's main generators. This resulted in a complete blackout across the vessel, leaving the destroyer without propulsion or electrical systems. The crew initiated emergency protocols to contain the blaze and preserve the ship's structural integrity.
Naval officials stated that all hands aboard the Higgins were accounted for and no casualties have been reported. The crew was evacuated to a nearby support vessel while firefighting efforts continued. The ship remains stationary in international waters pending further assessment.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Initial assessments point to a mechanical failure within the propulsion system, though no definitive conclusion has been reached. Naval investigators are on board to examine the damage and determine the origin of the incident.
The USS Higgins, commissioned in 2019, is part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet and has been conducting routine operations in the Indo-Pacific. The vessel is equipped with advanced missile defense systems and has participated in joint exercises with regional allies.
The loss of the Higgins represents a significant reduction in U.S. naval presence in the region. The Navy has not yet announced plans to replace the vessel or adjust its deployment schedule. Other destroyers in the fleet are being evaluated for potential reassignment to maintain operational readiness.
Questions remain regarding the extent of the damage and the timeline for repairs. The Navy has not provided an estimate for when the Higgins might return to service. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the Arleigh Burke-class fleet.
The U.S. Navy is cooperating with international partners to ensure the safety of the crew and the stability of the region. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.