Visakhapatnam - In a devastating incident late last night, a massive fire engulfed 25 fishing boats at the Visakhapatnam harbour, leaving them in ashes. The Indian Navy had to be called in to assist local fire departments in bringing the flames under control, as the conflagration proved challenging for the initial responders.
The estimated loss from the destruction of each boat, valued at nearly 15 lakh, places the overall financial impact of the incident in the range of ₹4-5 crores. The cause of the fire is yet to be officially confirmed, but suspicions are circulating among the local community.
According to Vishakhapatnam Police Commissioner Ravi Shankar, the fire originated on a fishing boat late at night. Efforts were made to isolate the boat and let it drift to prevent the flames from spreading. Unfortunately, wind and water currents brought the burning boat back to the jetty, resulting in the rapid spread of the fire to adjacent vessels.
The presence of diesel containers and gas cylinders on the boats intensified the blaze, turning the entire jetty area into a fiery inferno. Shocking visuals from the scene depict firefighters battling the flames, while distressed fishermen looked on as their livelihoods went up in smoke.
Fishermen on the scene suspect foul play, suggesting that criminals may have intentionally set the boats on fire. Another theory gaining traction is that the fire was triggered by a party on one of the boats, raising questions about safety protocols and the potential role of negligence in the incident.
Senior police officer Ananda Reddy reported that the fire broke out around 11:30 pm, with explosions in some boats causing panic in the area. These explosions were attributed to the fire reaching fuel tanks on the vessels.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, and efforts are ongoing to control the fire and prevent further damage. A case has been filed, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Vishakhapatnam Police Commissioner Ravi Shankar has announced a multidisciplinary probe to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the fire. The investigation aims to uncover the root cause of the incident and hold accountable any parties found responsible for the destruction of the fishing boats.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, questions about safety regulations, security measures, and the potential for criminal involvement will undoubtedly shape the ongoing investigation. The impact on the livelihoods of the affected fishermen adds an additional layer of urgency to understanding and addressing the factors that led to this devastating fire.
