In a tragic incident on Monday, a massive blaze consumed at least nine fishing boats docked at the wharf area of Manganese Road in Gangolli, Udupi. The boats, which were undergoing post-monsoon repair works before heading back to sea, were entirely destroyed, leading to an estimated loss of Rs 10 crore. 

Source: LatestLY

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The wharf area of Manganese Road in Gangolli turned into a scene of devastation on Monday as a massive fire engulfed at least nine fishing boats, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The gutted boats, including high-value vessels like the Purse Seine, along with nets, accessories, and three parked bikes, were in the final stages of preparation for fishing post-monsoon repair works.

Preliminary reports identified the affected fishing boats as Sriguru, Mookambika, Priyadarshini, Yakseshwari, Sri Manjunatha, Sea Furl, Madhushree, Guruprasad, and Jalrani. The fire, believed to have been triggered by the bursting of crackers, quickly spread, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs 10 crore. This significant financial setback not only impacts the boat owners but also the broader fishing community relying on these vessels for their livelihoods.

Source: Vartha Bharathi

In response to the emergency, four fire tenders from Kundapur, Byndoor, and Udupi swiftly arrived at the scene to combat the fierce blaze. The joint efforts of the Fire and Emergency Services Department, local fishermen, the public, and the police were crucial in bringing the situation under control. To augment firefighting capabilities, river water was pumped using four pumpsets, and private water tankers were mobilized.

The thick smoke emanating from the intense fire created a challenging environment for the firefighting teams. Amidst the chaos, Minister for Ports and Fisheries, Mankal Vaidya, visited the site to assess the situation. Expressing concern, he assured the affected fishermen that he had already communicated with the chief minister and deputy chief minister about the incident.

Source: Sahil Online

Addressing the media, Minister Vaidya stated, “I will meet the chief minister and deputy chief minister and ensure that fishermen receive the compensation they are entitled to. The department and the government are ready to support fishermen who suffered losses. The police and the department will conduct separate investigations.”

The incident not only underscores the vulnerability of the fishing community but also prompts a critical examination of safety measures in place, especially in areas where boats are docked. The collaborative response from the local community, emergency services, and authorities highlights the importance of unity during times of crisis. As investigations unfold, the focus will be on determining the cause of the fire and implementing measures to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.