Tragic Incident in Balasore: Fishermen Succumb to Toxic Fumes
In a devastating incident at Naupalagadi under the Balaramgadi marine police station limits in Balasore district, two fishermen lost their lives on Monday due to suspected inhalation of toxic gas. The gas is believed to have emanated from rotten fish stored inside a fishing boat, highlighting a recurring hazard in the local fishing industry.
Victims Identified as Prabhakar Mallick and Mangala Soren
The deceased have been identified as Prabhakar Mallick, aged 35, from Adhua village in Bhadrak district, and Mangala Soren, aged 32, from the Badaguma area in Mayurbhanj district. Both individuals were employed as staff members on the fishing vessel named 'Bada Shankha'. Their tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through the coastal community.
Details of the Fatal Exposure
The incident occurred while the fishermen were engaged in unloading fish from a trawler that had recently returned from sea. During this routine process, Mallick and Soren entered a storage chamber within the boat to remove the catch. It was inside this enclosed space that they were exposed to hazardous gases produced by decomposed fish.
Sources indicate that the victims likely suffocated after becoming trapped in the chamber, which was filled with toxic fumes. Despite being rescued and rushed to the district headquarters hospital in Balasore, they were declared dead upon arrival. The swift onset of symptoms underscores the lethal nature of such gas exposures.
Recurring Hazard in Fishing Practices
Badal Das, president of the Balaramgadi Trawler Association, provided context to the tragedy. He explained that small fish and crabs captured during deep-sea fishing are often processed into fish feed, which is then sold for approximately Rs 20 per kilogram by trawler staff. However, when this material is stored for extended periods, it decomposes and generates dangerous gases, posing a severe risk to workers.
Das noted that similar incidents have occurred in the past, leading to warnings against storing decomposed material. Despite these advisories, the practice allegedly persists due to the financial incentives involved. This ongoing issue raises concerns about safety protocols in the fishing sector.
Official Response and Investigation
Balasore (sadar) Sub-Divisional Police Officer Shubhranshu Shekhar Nayak confirmed that an unnatural death case has been registered in connection with the incident. The bodies of the fishermen have been sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
"Further investigation into the incident is underway," stated Nayak, emphasizing the authorities' commitment to uncovering the full circumstances. The probe aims to assess compliance with safety measures and prevent future tragedies.
Broader Implications for Worker Safety
This incident sheds light on the occupational hazards faced by fishermen, particularly in handling perishable marine products. The production of toxic gases from decomposition is a known risk, yet inadequate precautions continue to endanger lives.
As the community mourns the loss of Mallick and Soren, calls for stricter enforcement of safety guidelines and better awareness among workers are likely to intensify. Ensuring that financial gains do not override health and safety remains a critical challenge for the industry.
