Massive fire at Vizag Fishing Harbour leads to multiple cylinder blasts

Visakhapatnam: Multiple explosions of LPG cylinders shook Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour, the largest in Andhra Pradesh following a massive fire that took place in one of the boats, which spread to a nearby area at Sunday midnight.

The reason for the incident was not immediately known. DCP (Law and Order) K. Anand Reddy said on Monday that no casualties were reported. The incident was suspected to have taken place at around 11.30 am. In the fire that spread, at least 20 boats were reduced to ashes.

Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour, which is the main hub for mechanised boats, is home for around 1100 boats. At the time of the incident, around 500 boats were anchored. "Despite our best efforts to save boats from getting damaged, as per our estimates, 40 were completely reduced to ashes," Janakiram, president of Andhra Pradesh Mechanised Boat Operators' Association, told Bizz Buzz on Monday.

Fishermen alleged sabotage by some miscreants behind the massive fire. A source in Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) said on condition of anonymity that the fire could have originated from a stove while cooking or due to burning by someone out of frustration after India's defeat in the World Cup ODI grand finale in Ahmedabad by Australia. He said they were ascertaining the facts.

The fishing harbour is under the administrative control of VPA. Fishermen use small LPG cylinders to prepare food for the crew while on voyage and at the time of anchorage. During partying also the fire might have ignited the fuel tank and other inflammables in one of the vessels.

Fishermen's organisations claimed immediate relief for the heavy damage suffered by them and loss of livelihood for the boat owners as well as crew who depend on voyage for their survival. Each boat along with its accessories and fuel would cost around Rs.30 lakh to Rs.40 lakh, a boat owner said.

On receipt of information, fire tenders from VPA and District Fire Office were rushed to the spot. It took nearly four hours to extinguish the fire. The incident created panic in the vicinity with multiple blasts creating ear-splitting cacophony.