Fire Erupts on Cargo Ship at Lagos Port, Prompting Swift Emergency Response

A fire broke out aboard a cargo vessel named CHANG MIN (IMO 9622801) on Friday evening while it was docked at the ENL Terminal in Apapa Port, Lagos.

According to Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the fire started around 5:55 p.m. during unloading activities and affected the second compartment of the ship’s cargo hold.

The vessel was reportedly carrying highly flammable cargo, including compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks, wooden goods, and tyres. Emergency teams, including LASEMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Nigerian Ports Authority Fire Unit, and ENL Consortium Ltd, quickly launched a coordinated response.

Initial firefighting efforts focused on sealing the burning hold to cut off oxygen supply. Once stabilized, responders re-entered and extinguished the blaze. No injuries or casualties were reported, and all crew members were accounted for.

Authorities say the exact cause of the fire is still unknown but confirmed it began during the offloading process. Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the incident. Recovery operations were completed shortly after the fire was extinguished.