Fire damages 35 vessels at Ecuador's Manta port

A significant fire erupted at the port of Manta, Ecuador, on Saturday, impacting a substantial number of vessels. The blaze affected 14 fishing boats and 21 smaller craft, according to updated figures from the Integrated Security Service ECU 911. Initial reports indicated eight fishing boats were damaged.

Large plumes of black smoke and flames were visible as the fire spread through the artisanal area of the Manta Port Authority. The proximity of the boats, constructed from fiber and wood, along with the explosion of gas canisters, contributed to the rapid expansion of the fire, according to the Manta Fire Chief Julio Roca. He noted that witness accounts mentioned welding work on one of the vessels.

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Up to now, it is ruled out that it was an attack.

Authorities have stated that an attack is not suspected as the cause. The National Secretariat for Risk Management is coordinating with local authorities to assess the damage and identify needs. The Provincial Police Commander for Zone 4, William Calle, confirmed that the public prosecutor's office has begun taking statements. Access to the port area has been restricted for safety reasons.

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The explosion of gas cylinders that were on the boats, their proximity to each other in the port, and the material they are made of - fiber and wood - facilitated the expansion of the fire.