Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Feb 19: Three cargo boats near Al Seef Creek opposite Deira Dhow wharfage have reportedly caught fire leading to a huge loss. The incident was reported at around 7.10 pm UAE time on Saturday February 18.

Though Dubai police have confirmed the news, there are no further details available at the moment.

Considering the intensity of the fire, human casualities cannot be ruled out, an eyewitness informed daijiworld.

Atleast 15 fire fighters reached the spot within minutes of the incident. Al Seef road has been closed and traffic has been diverted.

UAE News agency, WAM adds:

The firefighters of Civil Defence in Dubai brought the fire, which broke out on late Saturday evening at 8.20pm in dhows in Dubai Creek near Dubai Municipality under control.

One of the boats was loaded with 17 cars and petroleum products.

Major Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Director of Operations Department at the Directorate of Civil Defence in Dubai, who supervised the fire extinguishing operation, said squads were able to prevent the spread of fire to the neighbouring boats.

He added that an Asian sailor was injured in the incident and has been treated, adding that the operation to control the fire lasted for three hours. Al Mutawa said that the investigation was under way to establish the causes of incident.