Tem Herald
PANJIM: A major fire broke out late on Friday night at the popular Coco beach area of Nerul, completely destroying seven fishing boats that had been anchored along the shore. Although the fire services responded swiftly, the blaze spread rapidly, causing significant damage.
The incident has sparked fear among local fishermen and boat owners, many of whom allege that the fire was not accidental but premeditated. “This is not the first time boats have caught fire in this manner,” said a local resident. “The authorities must investigate the matter seriously.”
While an official estimate of the damages is still awaited, preliminary reports suggest losses running into several lakhs. Some of the destroyed vessels were used for water sports, raising concerns about the potential impact on the local tourism sector.
Officials from the Nerul police station outpost and the Fire Department were present at the scene and have begun investigating the cause of the fire. Authorities are examining whether any flammable substances were present aboard the vessels and how the fire may have started.
In the wake of the incident, locals have urged the administration to improve safety measures. “The absence of CCTV surveillance along the beach, the lack of designated docking areas, and poor night-time security are serious concerns,” a boat owner said.