Devastating Fire Destroys Dozens of Boats in Manta, Ecuador

On June 6, 2026, a massive fire erupted at the Manta port in Ecuador, destroying 35 vessels and leaving two people with severe burns. The emergency, which began at 11:52, mobilized local firefighting units, police, and risk management agencies to contain the blaze, which affected both boats and smaller launches across the harbor’s artisanal sector.

How did the Manta port fire unfold?

The incident began near midday on a Saturday, drawing immediate attention from the ECU911 emergency service. According to the Secretariat of Risk Management, the fire initially impacted eight vessels, but the scale of the destruction grew rapidly. By 14:05, the Manta Fire Department updated the toll to nine ships and 11 launches. By 15:50, official reports confirmed that 35 vessels had been destroyed.

The fire was fueled by the construction of the affected boats, which were primarily made of wood and fiber—materials that are highly flammable. Two individuals, identified as security personnel linked to the vessels, sustained burns covering approximately 80% of their bodies and were transported for medical treatment.

What are the suspected causes of the blaze?

While investigations are ongoing, the head of the Manta Fire Department, Julio Roca, stated that the primary hypothesis is that the fire originated during maintenance work being performed on one of the vessels. Authorities have explicitly ruled out the possibility that the fire was an intentional act of sabotage by criminal structures operating in the region, according to the national police.

How is the environmental impact being managed?

The municipal government is moving to assess long-term ecological damage. Javier Salcedo, the director of Municipal Environment and Risks, announced that a technical committee is being formed to quantify environmental impacts. This group includes representatives from the Fire Department, the Port Captaincy, and the Ministry of Environment.

This committee is tasked with two primary objectives: determining the exact number of vessels lost and evaluating the pollution resulting from the combustion of fuel, oil, and synthetic materials from the boats. The Secretariat of Risk Management continues to coordinate the movement of tugboats to assist in the final stages of site cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Manta port fire an act of sabotage?

No. The police have formally ruled out the theory that the fire was caused by a criminal attack.

How many vessels were destroyed in the fire?

According to the Secretariat of Risk Management, 35 vessels were destroyed by the end of the emergency response.

What caused the fire to spread so quickly?

The rapid spread was attributed to the materials used in the vessels, specifically wood and fiber, which are highly flammable.

Are there any survivors with injuries?

Yes. Two people, identified as security personnel for the vessels, suffered burns on roughly 80% of their bodies and were moved to medical facilities for care.