the goan I network
pernem
A houseboat was destroyed in a fire in the Chapora river at Chopdem-Pernem on Friday morning.
According to reports, the incident took place at about 9.45 am near the Chopdem ground.
Siolim coastal police said the houseboat was anchored in the Chapora river towards Chopdem side and renovation work was underway wherein carpentry work was being
executed.
On seeing the fire spread quickly, carpenters working on the boat jumped out and the rope which was tied to the anchor was gutted. As a result, the boat started drifting towards Siolim side.
Two fire tenders from Pernem fire station were rushed to the site and fire-fighting operations began from the Siolim bridge. An additional fire brigade from the Mapusa fire station was also dispatched to the site.
Firefighters from Pernem and Mapusa were involved in a two-and-half hour operation to bring the fire under
control.
The fire services said the losses were estimated at Rs 50 lakh, while property worth Rs 40 lakh was saved.
Siolim coastal police inspector Suraj Gawas said the cause of the fire is suspected to be a short circuit. A fire accident case has been registered and further investigations are in progress.
