Kollam ,7 December (H.S.): A sudden pre-dawn fire tore through a line of fishing boats anchored at Kureepuzha in Kollam on Sunday, reducing more than ten vessels to ashes and causing heavy losses to fishermen. The blaze erupted at the famous Ashtamudi Lake in the early hours, triggering panic among residents. No injuries or casualties were reported.
Residents noticed flames around 1.30 am rising from one of the boats moored along the lakeside. Within minutes, the fire spread rapidly to nearly 14 boats that were anchored closely in a single row. Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have been triggered by the explosion of a cooking gas cylinder on one of the vessels, though officials said this is yet to be officially confirmed.
In a desperate effort to prevent the fire from spreading to more boats and nearby areas, local people rushed to the spot, untied the burning vessels and pushed them into the lake. Visuals telecast by television channels captured dramatic scenes of boats ablaze, drifting helplessly on the dark waters of the lake.
Six units of the Fire and Rescue Services were deployed to tackle the inferno. Firefighters battled the flames for several hours before finally bringing the situation under control by around 7 am. Despite their efforts, at least nine traditional wooden boats and one fibre boat were completely destroyed, while a few others were partially damaged or reportedly sank after being consumed by the fire.
Kollam District Collector N. Devidas visited the affected area and ordered a detailed inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the incident and assess the extent of the losses. Speaking to the media, he said that about ten boats, including one owned by a local fisherman named Lawrance, were among those destroyed. He added that several of the damaged boats belonged to fishermen from Pozhiyoor in Thiruvananthapuram district, who had anchored their vessels at Kureepuzha while taking a temporary break from fishing ahead of the ongoing election process.
Fire Force officials reiterated that the precise cause of the blaze would be determined only after a technical investigation. However, local residents continue to insist that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire.
Residents also complained that poor road connectivity in the area delayed the arrival of fire engines and pointed out that this was the third such fire accident reported in the locality in recent times.
With their boats reduced to ashes, several fishermen now face an uncertain future. They have urged the State government to announce immediate relief and long-term compensation, warning that without urgent support, many families dependent solely on fishing may be pushed into severe financial hardship.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
