FIRE broke out on a boat docked at the Sitra Fishing Port yesterday.
It happened at around 12.40pm causing losses worth at least BD17,000, according to the boat owner Sayed Abdullah Sayed Ahmed.
“Fishing is my livelihood and my only job,” said the 38-year-old fisherman.
“I have four children and I look after my mother and two sisters too.
“I bought this boat one year ago after taking a loan from a bank.
“I have only managed to pay 25 per cent of it so far.
“The fire will now cost me at least BD17,000 to get two new engines, as well as for other repair work.
“This is far beyond what I can afford.”
The cause of the fire is yet to be identified but Mr Ahmed reckoned it happened due to a short circuit.
“No one was in the port when the blaze took place because it was a windy day and not suitable for fishing,” he added.
“It is suggested that the fire happened due to a short circuit but an official report will later confirm this.
“The fire was minor in the beginning but the wind made it spread so quickly.”
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