Karwar (Karnataka): Two fishermen from Odisha died after allegedly inhaling toxic fumes while cleaning the cold storage compartment of a fishing boat at Mudaga fishing harbour in Karwar taluk and district on Saturday, officials said. Another fisherman was seriously taken ill and admitted to hospital, while two others were safely rescued following the incident.

Source: IANS via hiindia

The tragedy occurred on the 'Mookambika' fishing boat, which is based in Belekeri. The boat had returned to Mudaga harbour after the fishermen caught Chaman fish. Purandar Bisara, 21, and Akash Naik, 24, both natives of Odisha, were trapped in the toxic environment and died on the spot, according to reports. Another fisherman, Lalindar Dhruva, 41, was seriously affected by the fumes and was shifted to the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences (KRIMS) Hospital, where he is undergoing emergency treatment. Two other fishermen involved in the incident were rescued safely.

Source: IANS via hiindia

During the cleaning operation, toxic fumes and a strong foul odour allegedly emanated from the cold storage compartment, causing the fishermen to suffocate. The fumes reportedly built up from decomposing fish inside the sealed hold; Chaman fish is reported to spoil within about 24 hours, releasing toxic gases as it decomposes. The exact cause has not been officially confirmed.

Source: Nation Press

The tragedy comes just three days after a similar incident at Tadadi harbour in Kumta taluk of the same district, where three fishermen lost their lives after allegedly being exposed to toxic fumes and a strong foul odour emanating from Chaman fish while cleaning a fishing boat. In total, five fishermen have now died in two near-identical incidents in Karwar district within three days.

Source: Nation Press

The back-to-back deaths have raised concerns over the safety of fishermen handling and cleaning storage compartments after fishing operations, particularly over the accumulation of toxic gases and foul odours inside enclosed spaces on boats. This is a developing story; further official detail on the cause and on the condition of the hospitalised fisherman is awaited.

Source: IANS via hiindia