PANJIM: The residents of the fishing village of Cacra, Santa Cruz, were left outraged after unidentified miscreants set fire to four fishing canoes and fishing nets at the beach, in the wee hours of Monday. The total loss due to fire is estimated to be around Rs 7 lakh.
This is the second such incident reported in the State, the first being when two fishing canoes were reduced to ashes at Benaulim, last week.
Traditional fishermen of Cacra were left heartbroken after their fishing canoes, nets and other fishing gear were destroyed in the fire. The incident came to light at 4 am, when the fishermen woke up to venture out into the sea for a fresh catch and noticed their canoes on fire.
The fishermen immediately alerted the Panjim Fire Station, who immediately rushed to the spot and extinguished the fire. The fishermen have strongly suspected arson and filed a complaint at the police station and requested patrolling in the village at all times.
On hearing the news, Santa Cruz Sarpanch Jennifer Oliveira and panchayat members rushed to Cacra and met the fishermen, who complained that they lost their means of livelihood as their canoes were damaged in the fire. All the panchayat members assured them that they will offer their one-month salary to the affected fishermen.
