Egyptian Transport Minister Kamel El Wazir visited Damietta Port on Thursday night to thank the marine tugboat crews who responded to an incident involving two gas vessels, the ministry said in a statement.
El Wazir said President Abdel Fattah El Sisi had instructed him to visit the port and convey his appreciation to the crews for their rare act of bravery and professionalism.
The ministry said four tugboats safely escorted a storage vessel about 10 kilometres outside the port, while another four tugboats helped control a fire aboard a regasification vessel and towed it approximately 3.5 kilometres offshore, away from the port’s berths.
Firefighting operations continued using water cannons until the blaze was fully brought under control, the statement said, adding that the response prevented damage to the port’s facilities and protected lives.
“What these heroes achieved was a national epic that demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism, efficiency, courage and dedication to duty,” El Wazir said.
He added that the crews represented “an extension of the great Egyptians who built the glories of this nation,” saying their efforts would remain a source of pride for Egyptians.
