Watch: 35 Fishing Boats Lost in Major Fire
6/7/2026 12:55:48 PM
Ecuadorian authorities reported a massive fire in the artisanal fishing area of the Port of Manta in Manabí Province.
Videos circulating on social media showed towering flames and thick black smoke rising from small and medium-sized fishing vessels made of highly flammable materials such as fiberglass.
The blaze broke out at Manta Port on Ecuador’s Pacific coast, destroying at least 35 fishing boats and injuring four people with burns.
Initial reports varied regarding the number of casualties. Early accounts mentioned two injured individuals, while later updates confirmed four burn victims, including two workers who were aboard the vessel believed to be where the fire started. Officials said two of the injured were transferred to Rodríguez Zambrano Hospital for treatment, while their conditions remain under evaluation.
Julio Roca, commander of the Manta Fire Department, said witnesses reported welding work being carried out on one of the boats before the fire erupted, suggesting that a spark may have ignited nearby combustible materials.
Manabí Governor Aurora Valle ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack, stating that evidence indicates the fire was accidental. According to preliminary findings, the blaze began on a single vessel before spreading rapidly due to the close proximity of the boats and local wind conditions.
The National Risk Management Secretariat confirmed that the fire was brought under control after extensive efforts involving specialized firefighting units, drones, and two tugboats that helped prevent the flames from spreading to additional vessels.
Authorities, in coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and police, have launched an investigation to determine responsibilities and accurately assess the environmental and economic damage.
Manta Port is one of Ecuador’s most important economic hubs and a key center for the fishing industry, making the incident a significant blow to the local fishing sector.
While initial reports indicated that 14 boats had been damaged, subsequent assessments identified 21 additional affected vessels, bringing the total number of damaged or destroyed boats to 35.
Videos circulating on social media showed towering flames and thick black smoke rising from small and medium-sized fishing vessels made of highly flammable materials such as fiberglass.
The blaze broke out at Manta Port on Ecuador’s Pacific coast, destroying at least 35 fishing boats and injuring four people with burns.
Initial reports varied regarding the number of casualties. Early accounts mentioned two injured individuals, while later updates confirmed four burn victims, including two workers who were aboard the vessel believed to be where the fire started. Officials said two of the injured were transferred to Rodríguez Zambrano Hospital for treatment, while their conditions remain under evaluation.
Julio Roca, commander of the Manta Fire Department, said witnesses reported welding work being carried out on one of the boats before the fire erupted, suggesting that a spark may have ignited nearby combustible materials.
Manabí Governor Aurora Valle ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack, stating that evidence indicates the fire was accidental. According to preliminary findings, the blaze began on a single vessel before spreading rapidly due to the close proximity of the boats and local wind conditions.
The National Risk Management Secretariat confirmed that the fire was brought under control after extensive efforts involving specialized firefighting units, drones, and two tugboats that helped prevent the flames from spreading to additional vessels.
Authorities, in coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and police, have launched an investigation to determine responsibilities and accurately assess the environmental and economic damage.
Manta Port is one of Ecuador’s most important economic hubs and a key center for the fishing industry, making the incident a significant blow to the local fishing sector.
While initial reports indicated that 14 boats had been damaged, subsequent assessments identified 21 additional affected vessels, bringing the total number of damaged or destroyed boats to 35.