Karwar: Five fishermen in Uttara Kannada have died in two separate incidents after inhaling toxic gases released from stored Chaman fish (Indian Scad or Tonka), prompting authorities to issue safety guidelines at fishing harbours across the district. The fish that is widely caught along the Karnataka coast and used to make fish meal, fish oil and animal feed can turn deadly when it begins to decompose in poorly ventilated storage spaces.
Five fishermen lost their lives in two separate incidents within four days in Uttara Kannada district, with three deaths reported at Gokarna-Tadadi harbour on October 27 and two at Mudaga on October 31. In both cases, the fishermen were exposed to toxic gases while removing Chaman fish from storage facilities.
In the wake of these incidents, as a preventive measure, awareness meetings were held at fishing harbours in Karwar, Kumta, Bailekere and Honnavar. Officials from the Fisheries Department, Coastal Security Police, local police, Ports Department and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with fishing boat owners, participated in the meetings.
The guidelines were issued to fishermen and boat owners to prevent the recurrence of such fatal incidents along the coast.
Officials warned that decaying Chaman fish can release dangerous gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulphide. The decomposition process in enclosed spaces can also deplete oxygen, posing a serious risk to those entering storage tanks or compartments.
During the meeting the fishermen were advised to ensure proper storage of the catch immediately after fishing, transport it to the harbour at the earliest and not to accumulate rotten fish waste inside boats or enter fish storage tanks without checking the atmosphere for toxic gases.
Officials stressed the need to use gas detectors to check for hazardous gases and ensure adequate ventilation before entering storage compartments. Fishermen have been cautioned against attempting rescue operations inside confined spaces without appropriate respiratory safety equipment.
The fishermen were also told that the absence of a foul smell should not be taken as an indication that a storage area is safe to enter.
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