The Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, has debunked the rumour that a vessel caught fire at its terminal at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
In a statement signed by Group Head, Corporate Communications, SIFAX Group, Olumuyiwa Akande, at about 12:30 pm on Thursday, July 20, 2023, one of our equipment, a shore crane, developed a sudden technical fault and before anything could be done to fix it, it went up in flames.
There was a quick response from all stakeholders, resulting in putting out the fire as soon as possible, even though substantial damage was done to the equipment. However, normalcy was returned to the terminal after containing the fire, and our operations resumed.
The vessel at berth, as at the time of the incident was not affected by the fire while containers, both those on board the vessel as well as other consignments at the terminal, were not affected also.
There was no loss of life, as the operator working on the affected equipment was safely rescued without any injury. The said equipment as well as all other equipment and facilities at the terminal, are all insured.
As a company, we are committed to operational excellence in a safe and secure environment for the collective good of all our stakeholders – customers, agents, staff, regulators and the general public.
The organization appreciated those who reacted swiftly to the emergency situation including: Nigerian Ports Authority, Master and crew of MV Argeciras Express and the Lagos State Fire Service team. Kudos also to the staff of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited.