Cargo ship catches fire in Karavali; Ship halts off coast near Surathkal
Fear of sinking, dangerous oil spill in sea
►Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts on alert ►No immediate danger: Udupi DC, Coast Guard
Udupi: A massive cargo ship transporting highly flammable oil and solid materials from Mundra port in Gujarat to Colombo, Sri Lanka, caught fire in the Arabian Sea between Goa and Karwar. Currently, the ship is anchored mid-sea near Surathkal, close to Mangaluru's NMPT.
Udupi Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. Vidyakumari and Malpe Coast Guard SP Mithun H.N confirmed that the fire, which broke out on June 19, has been completely extinguished. However, the risk of the fire reigniting, potentially causing the ship to sink and spill oil into the sea, remains. This could result in significant marine pollution affecting the sea coasts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) deployed rescue ships and helicopters, successfully extinguishing the fire after 40 hours. There were 21 crew members on board, with one reported missing or deceased. The ICG instructed the district administrations of Karwar and Dakshina Kannada to prepare for any eventuality, including informing coastal residents and readying resources for potential pollution cleanup.
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The ship, MV M. Frankfurt, a Panama-flagged cargo container loaded with International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) category-4 flammable solids and liquids, is now anchored 33 nautical miles from Surathkal. Officials warn that if the ship sinks or catches fire again, it could lead to severe marine pollution.
District administrations have been instructed to prepare human resources and equipment for emergency situations. An expert team will visit the site to assess the ship's condition and determine the cause of the fire. Further action will be based on their report, and a tug from Sharjah is en route to tow the ship if deemed safe.
Dr. K. Vidyakumari, Udupi Deputy Commissioner, stated, "The district administration received information about the fire on a cargo ship from Gujarat, and instructions were given. We have put the Coast Guard, Fisheries Department, and Environment Department on alert to face any situation."
SP Mithun H.N. added, "The fire on the ship has been completely extinguished. There is no oil leakage at present. Stakeholders will decide on the next course of action based on the expert team's report. We are ready to face any situation."
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Nursing college student from Kerala dies by suicide at hostel, parents allege foul play
Bengaluru (PTI): A 19-year-old student from Kerala, who was studying at a private nursing college here, allegedly died by suicide in his hostel room, police said on Friday.
The deceased was identified as Adhityan P A, a second-year student at a nursing college in Bommasandra, they said.
On April 29, he was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his hostel room, police said, adding that he left behind a suicide note stating that no one was responsible for his death.
Preliminary investigation suggested that he may have been suffering from depression, and there may have been other issues which are being probed, a senior police officer said.
According to police, in his complaint, the deceased's father, Pradeep S, claimed that a college representative informed him upon his arrival in Bengaluru that his son had died under suspicious circumstances and that it was a case of suicide in the college hostel.
"However, I firmly believe that my son would not have taken such a step. He was of good character and mentally strong. Therefore, I strongly suspect foul play in his death," he claimed.
He also highlighted an incident that occurred approximately 20 days ago, when his son informed him that some of his hostel roommates were involved in drug use and were caught by hostel authorities.
"They were warned along with my son, although he was innocent and not involved in the incident. This situation may be relevant to the present case," he stated.
The complainant has urged the police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter and take appropriate legal action.
A case of unnatural death has been registered at Hebbagudi Police Station here. Further investigation is underway, and all allegations are being examined, police said.
