Fire at the old Lomé fishing port: three injured and three coasters out of action

At around 9am on Thursday 05 September 2024, a fire broke out in the basin of the old fishing port in the port of Lomé, where small coasters and tugs are usually based.

The fire, which unfortunately caused three injuries, who were immediately taken to the Katanga Medical Centre for the necessary treatment, also put three coasters out of action, one of which sank to the bottom of the dock, despite the prompt and professional intervention of the Port, Boluda, airport and city fire brigades.

The newly appointed Togolese Minister for Maritime Economy and Coastal Protection, Richard Kangbeni, immediately went to the scene to assess the damage and monitor the rescue operations. He was accompanied by the Director General of the Port Autonome de Lomé and the Minister Counsellor for the Sea, who also lent their support and monitored the situation closely.

The causes of the fire are not yet known at this stage. However, experts are already hard at work to determine the origin of the incident.

Regular inspections and controls will be carried out in all the structures of the Lomé port hub to ensure that fire-fighting equipment is present and working properly.

Simulations will also be carried out in accordance with each structure’s Operational Response Plan (ORP).