Fire at Visakhapatnam harbour destroys over 30 boats: What you need to know

A massive fire erupted on Sunday night, November 19, at the fishing harbor in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, resulting in the destruction of approximately 35 fishing boats.

What happened

• Deputy Commissioner of Police Anand Reddy stated that the fire initially broke out on a boat, eventually spreading to nearly 35 fiber-mechanized boats around midnight. While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, officials report that it originated on a boat within the zero jetty area and rapidly spread, according to their statements.

• Reddy mentioned, "Police and fire teams responded immediately. The fire was brought under control. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. A case has been filed, and an investigation is underway."

• The blaze ignited around 1 am and was successfully extinguished by 4 am, according to officials who provided information to news agency PTI. Firefighters promptly rushed to the scene upon receiving notification of the fire.

• Visakhapatnam district fire officer S Renukayya informed PTI, "We deployed 12 fire tenders and sought assistance from the National Disaster Response Force and the Visakhapatnam Port Trust."

• Renukayya clarified that there have been no reported casualties so far.

• However, local fishermen expressed suspicion of foul play. They suggested the possibility that unidentified individuals might have deliberately initiated the fire on the boats, as reported by news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Andhra Pradesh: A massive fire broke out in Visakhapatnam fishing harbour. The fire that started with the first boat eventually spread to 40 boats. Several fire tenders reached the spot to control the fire. Police have registered a case and are investigating the matter.… pic.twitter.com/1ZYgiWInOz

— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2023