Two mechanised boats anchored at the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour were badly damaged in a fire that broke out in the small hours of Wednesday. However, no casualty was reported.
Though the exact reason for the accident was yet to be ascertained, officials suspect that a burning cigarette stub might have triggered the fire in the engine room of one of the mechanised boat before it spread to another.
The fishermen and crew members noticed thick smoke billowing from the boats and alerted the fire service officials. Soon, fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the fire personnel doused the flames.
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Assistance sought
“The boats are badly damaged and are unfit to undertake voyage. We have approached Human Resources Development Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Visakha South MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, seeking financial assistance to the boat owners,” Andhra Pradesh Mechanised Boat Operators’ Association president P.Ch. Appa Rao said.