In massive blaze at Visakhapatnam harbour, 35 fishing boats gutted; loss pegged at Rs 30 crore

Thirty-five fishing boats turned to ashes in a massive blaze and blasts which followed at a harbour in Visakhapatnam late on Sunday night. The estimated loss in the shocking incident is being estimated at about Rs 30 crore. Local fishermen suspect some criminals set the boats on fire. There is also suspicion that the fire was triggered by a party in a boat anchored in the area. Shocking visuals from the harbour showed firefighters trying to douse the flames as fishermen stared helplessly at the fire destroying their means of livelihood. The blasts in some of the boats, were apparently caused by the fire reaching fuel tanks. It also led to panic among the locals in the area. The fire broke out in an area near the Visakhapatnam Container Terminal and an Indian Oil Corporation facility where fishing boats were anchored. After receiving information about the accident, firefighters rushed to the spot, Visakhapatnam District Fire Officer S Renukayya told the media. “We pressed 12 fire tenders into service and sought the help of the National Disaster Response Force and the Visakhapatnam Port Trust,” he said. The official said there were no reports of any casualties so far. Senior police officer Ananda Reddy said the fire broke out around 11:30 pm. “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,” he said. No casualties have been reported. A case has been filed and investigation is underway, he added.