Fishing vessel damaged in fire

Kochi: A fishing vessel, Arogya Anna No. 1, was severely damaged in a fire that broke out at Kalamukku fishing harbour around 12.20pm on Sunday. According to officials from Vypeen fire station, the fire is suspected to have started while workers were preparing food on a gas stove aboard the vessel.

The flames quickly engulfed the boat, prompting an immediate response from fire and rescue services. The fire was contained before it could spread to other nearby vessels anchored at the harbour. No casualties were reported.

"Preliminary cause of the fire appears to be flames from the gas stove used for cooking. The estimated damage to the vessel is around Rs 25 lakh," said an official from fire and rescue department. Authorities are conducting further investigations to confirm the exact cause of the fire.