Six boats, 20 motorcycles gutted as massive fire engulfs fuel-laden vessels in Gwadar’s Jiwani

Initial reports suggest that fire started due to leakage of fuel followed by electric short circuit

GWADAR:

A massive fire broke out in a vessel laden with diesel and petrol at Jiwani’s Kantani Hor region on Balochistan’s Gwadar coast, destroying at least six boats and more than twenty motorcycles.

The blaze began on a small fuel-laden boat and rapidly spread to nearby vessels and parked motorcycles, sparking panic and chaos in the area. Eyewitnesses said the flames rose high into the sky, visible from several kilometers.

Initial reports suggest that the fire might have started due to the loeakage of fuel followed by an electric short circuit. The boats involved were allegedly being used for smuggling diesel and petrol and were carrying large quantities of fuel, which intensified the blaze.

Firefighters and rescue teams rushed to the scene after being alerted, but their efforts were hampered by the remote location and poor road conditions. The fire was eventually brought under control after several hours using water and foam.

Sources said the intensity of the fire was so high that several boats were completely reduced to ashes. Dozens of motorcycles—used to transport smuggled fuel—were also destroyed.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the financial losses could run into tens of millions of rupees. The boats reportedly belonged to local fishermen and smugglers.

Police and local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “The area is known for diesel, petrol, and goods smuggling. The cause of fire could be an accident or a deliberate act. We are recording statements of people and witnesses to uncover the reality.”

Smuggling crisis in coastal Balochistan

The incident highlights the growing menace of fuel and narcotics smuggling along Balochistan’s coastal belt, where illegal trade from Iran and Afghanistan has become common.

Several similar incidents have occurred in recent past. In July 2025, a smuggling boat caught fire near Gwadar, injuring five people, while in March, an explosion at a diesel storage warehouse in Jiwani caused significant damage.

Experts warn that such incidents not only cause major economic losses but also pose serious environmental threats. The smoke and oil runoff from burning fuel can harm marine life and coastal ecosystems.

Locals call for action

Area residents have urged the government to take stricter measures to curb smuggling and enhance coastal monitoring.

“Our livelihoods depend on fishing,” said a local fisherman. “Because of smuggling, our community is suffering. The government must adopt concrete policies to prevent such activities and dangerous incidents.”

Authorities confirmed that the fire has been fully extinguished and no casualties have been reported so far. Police have sealed off the area as investigations continue.

The incident once again underscores the urgent need for stronger security and surveillance measures along Balochistan’s coastline.