Water and Marine Bureau (DSAMA) Director Susana Wong Soi Man told reporters last night that a fire broke out yesterday evening in the Inner Harbour, which set at least six fishing boats on fire, causing six loud explosions.
Wong made the remarks at a press briefing at the Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal.
According to Wong, one of the fishing boats located in the middle of the row of boats docked near Ponte 16 hotel during the three-and-a-half-month fishing moratorium suddenly burst into flames at around 7 p.m.
She said that towering flames and thick black smoke were coming from the boat, adding that there was no one on board at the time. She pointed out that as there wasn’t sufficient time to separate the boats anchored together, the vessels next to the blazing one also caught fire.
Wong noted that the gas cylinders on the boats caused six explosions, which was the main cause of the “raging fire”.
She added that when the owners of the boats that were on fire arrived at the scene they were worried about their vessels and wanted to rush on board but the DSAMA officials stopped them from boarding them as “it was too dangerous”.
Wong added that her bureau used nine vessels and 45 people to help in putting out the fire, pointing out that at 9 p.m. one of the vessels was towed to the ferry terminal so that the Fire Services Bureau (CB) could hose down the blaze, while five other boats remained anchored in situ.
Wong said that her bureau cleared wharfs No. 21 and No. 28, adding that the remaining five vessels would be towed to the ferry terminal once the blaze is fully extinguished. She underlined that at the time of the press briefing her bureau still didn’t know which boat the fire started on.
Macau Customs Service officer Lei Iok Fai told reporters at the same press briefing that it has sent out 13 vessels and 100 officers to assist with putting the fire out. He also pointed out that the mainland authorities also sent out six boats to help tackle the fire.
Meanwhile, Fire Services Bureau (CB) Commissioner Leong Iok Sam said during the press briefing that while working with DSAMA officials and customs officers, the bureau deployed two fire hoses, 16 fire engines and 71 firefighters. He added that once the fire is extinguished, firefighters will get on board and search for the cause of the fire. He pointed out that a 36-year-old man, who owns one of the boats affected by the blaze, was “hurt” as he got emotional and needed to be taken to the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre.
Meanwhile, a Marine and Water Bureau statement said early this morning that the fire had been brought under control after 2 ½ hours, while some of the boats had small sparks which still needed to be doused. The bureau said that its officials continued to be hosing down the boats to lower the temperature. The statement added that once the fire is completely out, the bureau will tow them to port. The statement pointed out that the ferry service between the Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal and Wanzai was suspended yesterday evening but was expected to resume at 7 a.m. today.
The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) also said in a statement yesterday that it sent officials to the scene of the fire to contact the affected fisherfolks. The statement said that those who are in need of emotional support or counselling can contact its 24-hour hotline on 2826 1126.
A vessel shoots water at the blazing boats near the waters of Ponte 16 yesterday at around 8 p.m. Photo: Maria Cheang Ut Meng
Macau Customs Service officer Lei Iok Fai (from left to right), Water and Marine Bureau (DSAMA) Director Susana Wong Soi Man and Fire Services Bureau (CB) Commissioner Leong Iok Sam talk to reporters late last night about the fire which broke out in the Inner Harbour yesterday evening. Photo: Maria Cheang Ut Meng
