Bhatkal: Three fishermen died after allegedly inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a fish storage compartment aboard a fishing boat at Tadri port in Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district on Tuesday evening. Two other fishermen were rescued, one of whom is reported to be in critical condition. Tadri port is located about 85 km from Bhatkal.
According to local sources, the five fishermen had returned to the port after a fishing trip and unloaded their catch. They then entered the boat’s fish hold to clean it when they were reportedly overcome by toxic gas believed to have been released by decomposing fish.
Other fishermen rushed to their assistance and shifted all five to a nearby hospital, where three were declared dead. The two survivors are undergoing treatment, with one reportedly in critical condition and shifted to Manipal Hospital.
The deceased have been identified as Naushad (48), Ameen (40) and Aman (18). All three worked on fishing boats, and Naushad and Ameen were married.
The incident has caused grief among the fishing community in the coastal region, including Kumta, Ankola, Honnavar and Bhatkal.
Kumta police visited the spot and conducted an inspection. A case has been registered at Gokarna Police Station, and further investigation is underway.