Manta, Ecuador – Two people were injured and at least 35 fishing boats were destroyed after a fire broke out at the port of Manta, one of Ecuador’s most important fishing ports on the Pacific coast.

According to Ecuador’s National Secretariat for Risk Management, the blaze has been brought under control. Authorities said an investigation is under way to determine what caused the incident.

Preliminary information indicates that at least 35 vessels were consumed by the flames while moored at the port. The affected boats were small and medium-sized fishing vessels.

The boats were constructed from highly flammable materials, including fibreglass, which fueled intense flames and sent thick black smoke rising above the port area.

The National Secretariat for Risk Management confirmed that the fire is now under control.

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