The Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited has explained that the fire incident at its terminal in TinCan Island port did not affect any vessel.
The Group Head, Corporate Communications of Sifax, a mother company of Ports & Cargo Handling Services, Olumuyiwa Akande, confirmed that the incident only affected a shore crane.
Akande explained: “At about 12:30pm on Thursday, July 20, 2023, 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 which resulted in putting out the fire as soon as possible, even though substantial damage was done to the equipment.
“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,” he said. He said that the company is committed to operational excellence in a safe and secure environment for the collective good of all its stakeholders; customers, agents, staff, regulators and the general public.
He, therefore, urged the public to disregard sensational reports on the incident and stay with the facts. He appreciated individuals and organisations 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.
