The cargo vessel CHANG MIN arrived at Apapa Port in Lagos on Saturday, June 21, carrying a consignment that included CNG trucks, tyres, iron rods, and construction equipment.
Shortly after docking, the ship reportedly caught fire, but the captain managed to navigate it safely into the port area, allowing for swift emergency response.
Port operatives assisted in berthing the vessel at Shed 8, ENL Consortium Terminal, where first responders were already on ground.
In a statement confirming the incident, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said the fire was extinguished through the combined efforts of its team, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Fire Unit.
According to Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, the blaze was first noticed during the unloading process.
“Following distress alerts at 5:55 p.m., LASEMA activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans from the Cobra Base in Onipanu,” he stated.
“Upon arrival, responders observed that the cargo ship CHANG MIN, laden with highly combustible items such as CNG trucks, wooden products, and tyres, was on fire within section two of the cargo hold.”
Preliminary investigations confirmed that the fire started during offloading operations, though the exact cause remains undetermined at this time.
Oke-Osanyintolu further confirmed that no casualties were recorded, as all crew members on board were accounted for.
He added that the fire was fully extinguished and that recovery operations have been completed.
