A massive fire at a harbour in Vishakhapatnam late last night reduced at least 25 fishing boats to ashes. As multiple fire engines struggled to extinguish the flames, an Indian Navy vessel was called in to help.
Each of the boats cost nearly 15 lakh, putting the total loss in the incident at around 4-5 crores.
According to Vishakhapatnam police commissioner Ravi Shankar, the fire started late at night on a fishing boat. “The boat was cut off and set adrift to prevent the fire from spreading to the others.” However, the wind and water flow drove it back to the jetty. “The other boats were soon on fire as well,” he explained.
According to the senior police officer, diesel containers and gas cylinders on the boats fueled the fire, and the entire jetty area ended up in flames.
Fishermen suspect criminals set fire to the boats. There is also speculation that the fire was started by a party aboard one of the boats.
Shocking images from the harbour showed firefighters attempting to extinguish the flames while fishermen watched helplessly as the fire destroyed their livelihood.
Blasts in some of the boats, apparently caused by the fire reaching the fuel tanks, caused widespread panic.
According to senior police officer Ananda Reddy, the fire started around 11:30 p.m. “Cylinders on boats are causing blasts, so we are asking people to stay away. Fire engines are working to control the fire,” he said. “The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed. No casualties were reported. A case has been filed and investigation is underway,” he added.
Police Commissioner Ravi Shankar has stated that a multidisciplinary investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident.
The Vizag Port Trust owns the fishing harbor. As a result, the investigation will include port, fisheries, and police authorities.
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