Fire in the Port of Pointe-Noire: rapid intervention limits the damage
On Saturday 07 September 2024 at 6.30pm, a fire broke out in the Port of Pointe-Noire, destroying part of the building housing the special police station of the Port of Pointe-Noire, other law enforcement services seconded to the Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire (PAPN) and the PAPN’s port fire safety and boatage services.
Under the supervision of the Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire’s Director of Maritime Operations, the Port’s Commandant, the Port’s firefighters, backed up by those from the department’s civil security service, began to tackle the fire until it was extinguished. The Port’s law enforcement officers, assisted by those from the military zone and other departmental services in the city, provided a great deal of support to ensure the success of this operation.
Although there was some material damage, there was no loss of life. Port traffic, which is still open 24 hours a day, was temporarily suspended, but resumed its normal course at 8pm the same evening.
Investigations are underway to determine the causes of this unfortunate incident.
The Director General of PAPN, Mr Séraphin BHALAT, praised the professionalism and promptness of the firefighters and law enforcement officers in putting out the fire, which could have caused a great deal of damage.
Mr Séraphin BHALAT also thanked the representatives of the Zone Commander, the Territorial Commander of the departmental police force, the Port Police Commissioner, the Head of the Port’s Cross-Border Services, the Commander of the naval fleet, the Commander of the Port’s Intervention and Security Group, the PFSOs of the Public Port, Congo Terminal and Ilogs for their active participation on the ground.
