kMassive fire damages boats, fishing equipment worth Rs10 crore in Udupi

NT Correspondent

Udupi: A massive fire erupted at Gangolli Jetty in the Byndoor Taluk of Udupi District, causing extensive damage. More than seven boats, fishing equipment worth lakhs of rupees, and two parked bikes in the vicinity were engulfed in the flames.

The fire, believed to have started during a Diwali puja involving firecrackers, has prompted the Byndoor and Gangolli fire departments to mobilise personnel to control the blaze.

The boats, which were docked at the jetty for paint and repair work, were covered with coconut leaves. Unfortunately, the fire spread to other boats due to the presence of these leaves.

Some of the affected boats stored diesel, kerosene, and fishing equipment, exacerbating the intensity of the blaze, as reported by various media outlets.

With each boat estimated to be worth Rs 1.5 crore, the total losses from the fire are staggering, surpassing Rs 10 crore. A significant crowd gathered at the jetty area in the aftermath of the incident.

The festival holiday had resulted in numerous boats being present at the jetty, further complicating the situation. The fire personnel are encountering challenges due to fast-blowing winds in the jetty area, hindering their efforts to extinguish the fire.

In a display of community solidarity, fishermen and residents actively assisted the fire personnel in their attempts to control the flames. The area was shrouded in thick clouds of smoke.

Recognising the magnitude of the disaster, fire personnel from other districts were called in to provide support and expertise.