Massive Fire at Paradip Fishing Harbour Guts 17 Boats

A devastating fire broke out at the Nehru Bangla Fishing Harbour in Paradip Port on Thursday evening, reducing 17 boats to ashes. The blaze, reported around 5 PM at jetty number 1, rapidly spread from one vessel to others, fueled by onboard cooking gas cylinders and diesel tanks. Each boat carried over 3,000 liters of diesel, along with fishing equipment, creating a highly combustible scene, according to a fire department official.

Police and fire services responded swiftly, deploying at least 10 fire tenders—some reports suggest up to 12—to combat the flames. Eight fire service teams, backed by personnel from five local police stations, worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control. By 10:45 PM, Paradip Additional District Magistrate Niranjan Behera confirmed the fire was contained, with no casualties reported—a fortunate outcome amid the chaos.

The harbour, home to around 650 large boats and 400 indigenous engine-powered vessels, is a vital lifeline for Odisha’s fishing community. The fire gutted 12 large boats and over five smaller ones, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Videos of the incident show towering flames and thick smoke, highlighting the scale of the disaster.

This incident adds to recent safety concerns at Paradip Port, a key trade hub. Authorities are now focused on assessing the damage and preventing future mishaps at this bustling coastal facility.