Azzopardi Fisheries Magħtab warehouse goes up in flames

Uninsured stores in Magħtab went up in flames early yesterday morning, destroying boats and expensive fishing equipment.

As many as five boats belonging to Azzopardi Fisheries are believed to have been destroyed although Civil Protection Department deputy director Patrick Murgo said only one boat could be identified by its shape amid the devastation when firemen arrived on site.

Fishing nets, ropes, pieces of polystyrene normally used in fish farms and fuel were also stored in the warehouse, all helping the fire to spread fast. Police sources said two of the three stores were affected by the fire.

Crates of fish feed were also destroyed but a truck parked close to the raging flames was driven away from the danger.

The police said they were called in at about 2.30 a.m. although Mr Murgo said the destruction was so extensive it was suspected the fire had been raging for quite some time.

Smoke could be seen billowing from the warehouse ruins in late morning, with the flames still not completely extinguished.

Contacted by The Times yesterday, warehouse owner Charles Azzopardi, who was abroad, said the financial impact had not yet been calculated, although it was believed it would run into thousands of euros. He said he was not covered by insurance. Sources said arson has not been ruled out at this stage.

Duty Magistrate Lawrence Quintano was informed and appointed a number of experts to help him in the inquiry.