Multiple boats destroyed by fire at fishing port

At least seven boats were destroyed by fire in Yanpu fishing port in Donggang Township, Pingtung County yesterday, including five large ocean going long-liners.

The fire started on a tuna fishing boat undergoing repairs in the port at around 4:00 pm, and in windy conditions, the fire quickly spread to other vessels.

Electrical wires are suspected to be the cause of the fire, according to a report in Liberty Times.

A pall of thick, black smoke could be seen as far away as Kaohsiung City.

Sixteen fire appliances, 29 firefighters, and a Coast Guard patrol boat were dispatched to extinguish the blaze. The fire was brought under control at around 6:30 pm.

No casualties were reported, but several fishing crew were seen jumping into water to escape the blaze, according to United Daily News. A coast guard boat rescued the crew members.

The director of the Donggang District Fisheries Association Lin Hanchou said that losses are estimated at around NT$300 million.

Cover picture: Donggang Township Facebook group.

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