Nearly 40 boats were gutted after a massive fire ripped through a fishing harbour in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on November 19.

Footage shows locals watching on as firefighters attempted to extinguish the flames that spread from one vessel to another. The fire was eventually extinguished.

According to reports, the fire led to liquefied petroleum gas cylinders on a boat exploding, causing further damage.

Ravi Shankar, the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) said that some boys were probably partying late at night when one of these boats caught fire.

Some local fishermen suspect foul play and have registered a case for an investigation.

Nearly 40 boats were gutted when a massive fire broke out at a fishing harbour in southern India's Andhra Pradesh.

This mishap took place at the Visakhapatnam fishing harbour on the intervening night between November 19 and 20.

Visuals showed the horrifying scenes of the fire engulfing the boats at the fishing harbour. The flames raged on and spread from one boat to the other and the whole area was filled with smoke. Fire tenders arrived at the spot and water was sprayed at the flames from several directions. It did seem a pretty difficult task to contain the fire but eventually, after a lot of effort, the flames were extinguished.

According to a report, the fire also led to the LPG cylinders in the boat to explode and further intensify the damage. Several fire tenders were pressed into action and were able to put out the fire. Nearly 35 fibre-mechanised boats were turned to ash. But there were no reports of any injury and casualty.

Ravi Shankar, the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) said that some boys were probably partying late at night where one of these boats caught fire. However, fishermen could react in quick time to de-anchor that boat and let it away to minimise the damage caused to the other boats. Locals informed the fire officials about this when the flames broke out and Shankar also added that Navy Ship Sahara aided this operation as well. Fishermen suspect foul play and have registered a case for which an investigation is underway.