Cargo Ship Catches Fire at Apapa Port, Lagos: No Casualties Reported
A cargo ship named CHANG MIN caught fire while docked at Lagos' Apapa Port. Emergency teams quickly responded, and the blaze was extinguished with no casualties reported.
Enet
Lagos, Nigeria – A fire broke out on a cargo vessel named CHANG MIN while it was docked at Apapa Port on Friday, damaging parts of the ship and triggering a swift emergency response.
The incident was confirmed on Saturday by Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA).
Flammable Cargo Sparks Concern
According to LASEMA’s statement, the ship was carrying flammable materials, including compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, wooden goods, tires, and other easily combustible cargo. The fire began while the crew was unloading the vessel.
Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities. All crew members have been confirmed safe and accounted for.
Emergency Response and Containment
The fire emergency began around 5:55 p.m., when distress signals were sent out. LASEMA’s Onipanu Response Unit, the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, and the Nigerian Ports Authority Fire Unit immediately mobilized and arrived at the terminal.
Firefighters discovered that section two of the cargo hold was ablaze. As a safety precaution, the crew was advised to seal off compartments to limit oxygen flow and slow the fire’s spread.
“A strategic plan was implemented to carefully extinguish the fire while ensuring the safety of responders and preventing further damage to the vessel,” LASEMA stated.
Fire Fully Extinguished, Recovery Complete
After coordinated firefighting efforts, the flames were fully extinguished, and the vessel was secured. The incident is now under investigation, with initial findings pointing to the fire igniting during unloading operations.
Ongoing Safety Investigation
Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage and are investigating the root cause of the fire. The prompt response from multiple emergency units has been praised as a key factor in preventing a more serious disaster.
The CHANG MIN fire highlights growing concerns over maritime safety, especially regarding the handling and storage of flammable goods at Nigeria’s busiest seaport.
