Surathkal: Massive fire at fish processing plant; losses estimated in crores

Surathkal: A major fire broke out in the boiler unit of a fish processing company inside the MSEZ on Sunday afternoon, causing extensive damage and resulting in losses estimated in crores. Fortunately, there was no loss of life as it occurred on a Sunday when workers were on leave.

The fire erupted at the plant of Authentic Ocean Treasures.

Firefighting teams from MSEZ, MRPL, Kadri, Pandeshwar, and NMPT worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze.

Due to the nature of the fish processing unit, which contained large quantities of furnace oil and fish oil—both highly flammable materials—the fire spread rapidly.

Thick black smoke was visible from distant villages such as Bajpe and Jokatte, causing panic among the residents.

The firefighting teams took five to six hours of continuous effort to bring the fire under control successfully. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.