Kolkata: Navy's fast interceptor boat catches fire, 2 injured

Navy's fast interceptor boat caught fire on Tuesday morning on the banks of Babughat in the Port area of Kolkata.

Two people, who were present inside the boat suffered serious injuries and have been shifted to the command hospital for treatment.

However, the Navy claimed that the boat did not belong to them but was hired from a private company for patrolling the river Hooghly.

"The boat does not belong to Navy. It is hired by the Navy for patrolling the river. Naval persons are on board only at the time of patrolling. The operation and maintenance of the boat lies solely with the contractor. When the fire took place today, there was no naval person on board," said Defence CPRO, Kolkata, Wing Commander SS Birdi.

Preliminary examination reveals that two boats, hired by Navy were parked on the banks of Babughat. Sources says a fire broke out in one of them due to a short circuit around 7.30 am. As many as two fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the fire completely.