I am curious about what hazard occurs when sulfur is exposed to water. I used to buy jars of sulfur at the drugstore when I was a kid (for gunpowder and stink bombs, if you must know) and don’t remember any cautions about getting it wet. Even the SDS for sulfur doesn’t mention reactivity with water.
I think you’re correct and I was wrong. You just kicked my recollection and that statement of mine was about elemental sodium and not sulfur.
Thanks for catching that.
A later FR post with updated information identified the chemical in question as 53,000kg of potassium amylxanthate I believe it is. I posted a link to the MSDS there. In addition, the two containers in question are stated to still be on the ship and apparently are in or near the shipboard container fire.
With respect to fire fighting, the MSDS specified water was not to be used and instead use CO2 or chemical foams. It makes sense now why the on-site first responders were using water to cool the hull exterior only and not directly use water on the container fire.