Visakhapatnam: In a tragic incident that unfolded last night, a massive fire at the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour left 23 fishing boats in ruins, with an estimated loss of ₹30 crore. The shocking visuals from the scene depicted firefighters bravely battling the flames while distraught fishermen watched their livelihoods turn to ashes.
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Fishermen are pointing fingers at potential criminals, suspecting foul play in the destruction of their boats. Additionally, there is speculation that the fire may have been ignited during a party on one of the boats, adding a mysterious twist to the unfortunate event.
The situation escalated as blasts resonated from some of the boats, believed to be caused by the fire reaching fuel tanks. This triggered panic among the onlookers and added another layer of complexity to the already dire scenario.
Senior police officer Ananda Reddy provided insights into the incident, stating that the fire erupted around 11:30 pm. He emphasized the dangers posed by cylinders on the boats, causing blasts, and urged people to stay clear of the area. Fire engines were deployed to bring the situation under control, with efforts focused on preventing further damage.
Reddy also mentioned that the cause of the fire is yet to be officially confirmed. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, and authorities have filed a case, initiating a thorough investigation into the incident.
This catastrophic event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the fishing community and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures at harbors. The repercussions of this devastating fire will undoubtedly be felt by the affected fishermen and the community at large.