Lithium battery-filled container catches fire

A container on board a vessel berthed at South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) was detected to be on fire yesterday. However, the situation was brought under control in due course.

SAGT said its emergency contingency plan was immediately activated with the concurrent involvement of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), the Harbour Master and the Port and Metropolitan fire brigades. “Appropriate evacuation of terminal personnel and action to isolate the fire was initiated.  The container, one of two in the same hold, is class: 9, said to contain a shipment of lithium batteries. The fire/hazard contingency operation continues under the direction of the Harbour Master,” SAGT said. It also said no injuries were sustained.