Pandemonium As Fire Guts SIFAX Group’s Shore Crane At Tin Can Island Port

Pandemonium struck at Ports and Cargo Terminal, owned by SIFAX Group at the Tin Can Island Port on Thursday when fire gutted one of the shore cranes at the terminal.

The SIFAX Group head of Corporate Communication, Mr Muyiwa Akande in a press statement on Friday however said there was no loss of life.
Our correspondent however learnt that the fire raged for hours, even as fire service officials and dockworker battle for several hours to put it off.

Akande in the press statement confirmed that “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 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.
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”

“Our sincere appreciation goes to 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. Kudos also to the staff of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited” he stated