The fire exploded aboard a load container, Chang Min (IMO 9622801), on Friday night, while he was docked at the terminal in the port of Apapa, Lagos.
The incident occurred during loading activities and caused an immediate emergency response from several agencies.
According to Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, permanent secretary of the Emergency Management Agency of the State of Lagos, Lasma, the fire began at approximately 5:55 pm, affecting the second section of the ship's load cellar.
The ship transported highly flammable items, including CNG trucks, wood and tire items.
Emergency services came quickly to start a coordinated response, working closely with the ship's crew to evaluate the situation and implement security protocols.
The initial measures involved the sealing of the affected load cellar to restrict oxygen flow and suppress the flames.
This was followed by a carefully planned fire fighting that allowed the crews to re -enter the compartment and completely extinguish the fire.
“There were no victims and nobody suffered wounds, since all sailors on board have been counted,” said Oke-Osanyintolu.
He confirmed that the fire had completely extinguished and that the recovery operations had been completed. The exact cause of the incident is still unknown and is under investigation.
“Preliminary investigations carried out by emergency responders in the scene revealed that the fire was observed at the discharge point and that the cause has not yet been determined at the time of the report,” he added.
The agencies that responded included the response team of Lasma, the Fire Service and Rescue of the State of Lagos, the Fire Unit of the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Consortium LTD.