Karwar, October 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
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 Karnataka’s Karwar district on Saturday. One other fisherman was seriously affected and is undergoing treatment, while two others were rescued safely.
The incident took place aboard the fishing boat Mookambika, based in Belekeri, after it returned to Mudaga harbour with a catch of Chaman fish.
After unloading the catch, the fishermen reportedly began cleaning the cold storage compartment. During the process, toxic fumes and a strong foul odour allegedly emerged from the enclosed space, leaving some of them struggling to breathe.
The two deceased were identified as Purandar Bisara, 21, and Akash Naik, 24, both natives of Odisha. They reportedly died at the spot.
Another fisherman, Lalindar Dhruva, 41, was rushed to the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences (KRIMS) Hospital, where he is receiving emergency treatment. Two other fishermen were rescued without serious injuries.
The incident has renewed concerns over the dangers faced by fishermen while cleaning enclosed boat compartments, particularly when spoiled fish and accumulated gases create potentially hazardous conditions.
The tragedy comes just three days after a similar incident at Tadadi harbour in Kumta taluk, where three fishermen died after allegedly inhaling poisonous fumes while cleaning a fishing boat.
The victims in that incident were identified as Naushad Ali Raja, 35, of Kagal village, Aman Ayub Langadu of Onhalli and Amir Abdul of Unchalli. Police said the fishermen had returned after catching Chaman fish, which can spoil within 24 hours. Their arrival at the harbour was reportedly delayed by a day, leaving the catch rotten.
The two incidents have highlighted the serious risks associated with handling spoiled fish and working inside poorly ventilated storage compartments.
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