Kendrapada: A devastating fire that broke out in Paradip’s fishing harbour Thursday evening destroyed 12 fishing vessels and caused a damage of over Rs 10 crore.
The incident took place around 6 pm when a gas cylinder exploded inside a trawler with the fire quickly spreading to nearby vessels. Presence of diesel stocks and LPG cylinders in the boats (used for cooking during sea voyages) intensified the blaze.
“Many cylinders exploded. The wooden vessels, being highly flammable, were completely destroyed along with fishing gear, diesel stocks, and stored catch,” said Srikant Parida, president of Paradip Trawler Owners’ Association.
Ten fire tenders, assisted by locals, worked to contain the fire. Some quick-thinking fishermen cut their anchors, allowing their vessels to drift into the sea to prevent further spread of the flames.
Superintendent of police (Jagatsinghpur) Bhawani Sankar Udgata said no injuries were reported in the incident. While the exact cause of initial cylinder explosion remains under investigation, eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud blast before the fire spread. “We managed to save our lives by abandoning the boats before the fire reached us,” said Ramesh Haldar, a crew member of one of the destroyed vessels. Senior police and fisheries officials have visited the site to assess the situation.