'We cannot find our way out': New details revealed in hearings into deaths of Newark firefighters
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- The families of two fighters killed in the line of duty in Newark say their deaths were preventable.
"The family and I are deeply concerned, upset and heart broken by the things we've learned," said Michelle Books, wife of firefighter Wayne Brooks.
The families of Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks spoke out after the Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board held five days of hearings to hear from first responders about what went wrong.
The firefighters described a fire that quickly grew dark and dangerous and a chaotic environment that was made worse by bad radio communication and a kink in a fire line.
7 On Your Side Investigates attended five days of the hearings where more than a dozen people testified. Here is some of what was discovered:
The fire on July 5 broke out near a car on the 10th floor of the ship docked at Port Newark. An Italian ship worker testified he was the first to spot the fire and tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher.
"I tried my best to avoid this accident," he told investigators.
Soon the Newark Fire Department rushed to the scene and onto the ship.
"It just got worse, it just became darker and darker," said Captain Oswald Robetto.
Robetto was the last to see Acabou and Brooks. He was walking behind them as they used the fire hose line as a guide to get off of deck 10 when the conditions deteriorated.
"They were ahead of me, the last voice contact I had with them is they said 'The line's going this way', and I said 'Stay on the line, follow the line out'," said Robetto. "At this time I felt like they may have gotten out the door," he said.
That's when the command post heard alarming news over the portable radios. They heard multiple mayday calls, including a transmission that said "We cannot find our way out we are lost."
The Battalion Chief in charge of the rescue told investigators the radio communication was "horrendous."
"The transmissions were garbled and a little bit sporadic," said Battalion Chief Steve LaPenta of the Newark Fire Department.
Radio logs show firefighter Acabou wasn't located until more than an hour after the first mayday call. Firefighter Brooks was found about 20 minutes after that, by FDNY crews.
The Coast Guard announced in November, that preliminary findings showed the Newark Fire Department had little to no maritime training or experience, despite being the agency in charge of port fires.
When asked during the hearing if he was equipped to conduct shipboard operations, Captain Robetto responded "um, no."
The Coast Guard also questioned Newark why it hasn't adopted nationally recognized fire training since the incident happened. The Battalion Chief said it hasn't been approved yet by the department.
RELATED | Investigation underway into what sparked deadly cargo ship fire in Port Newark
----------
SHARE YOUR STORY
Do you have an issue with a company that you haven't been able to resolve? If so, 7 On Your Side wants to help you!
Fill out the form below or email your questions, issues, or story ideas by filling out the form below or by emailing 7OnYourSideNina@abc.com. All emails MUST INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND CELLPHONE NUMBER. Without a phone number, 7 On Your Side will not be able to respond.
You can also contact Dan Krauth directly:
Email your questions, issues, or story ideas to 7OnYourSideDan@abc.com
Facebook: DanKrauthReports
Twitter: @ DanKrauthABC7
Instagram: @DanKrauth
