A fishing trawler caught fire near Dhamra fishing harbour in Bhadrak district while undergoing repairs, leaving the vessel completely gutted and causing heavy financial loss to its owner.
The trawler, owned by Sapan Sethy of the Dhamra area, was being repaired when flames suddenly erupted. The cabin and upper section burned down entirely, destroying equipment and structural parts. Firefighters from Dhamra and Dhamra Port rushed to the spot and worked jointly to control the blaze, but the trawler could not be saved.
Officials suspect the fire may have started during welding work. However, investigators have not ruled out other possibilities, including negligence or deliberate action. Police and port authorities have begun a detailed probe to determine the exact cause.
Nearby trawlers escaped damage thanks to timely intervention by fire teams. The incident has raised concerns among local fishermen about safety measures during maintenance work at the harbour.
