Published Jun 22, 2026 | 9:29 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 22, 2026 | 9:29 AM
Vessel catches fire. Representative image. (iStock)
Synopsis: A major fire broke out on a foreign-registered barge under repair at a private shipyard near Kochi. Several fire and rescue units rushed to the spot and worked for hours to control the blaze.
A major fire broke out on a vessel under repair at a private shipyard in Vypin, near Kochi, in Kerala, early on Monday, 22 June. The fire started on a foreign-registered barge that had been docked at the Sea Blue shipyard for maintenance.
Residents noticed smoke and flames rising from the engine room around 4 am and immediately informed authorities.
Several fire and rescue units rushed to the spot and worked for hours to control the blaze. Firefighting operations were continuing at the time of reporting. Officials said no repair work was taking place when the fire began.
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The flames quickly spread from the engine room to other parts of the vessel. Thick smoke from burning paint and materials stored inside the ship made it difficult for firefighters to enter. As a safety measure, firefighters focused on cooling the vessel from the outside and preventing the fire from spreading to nearby boats and ships.
Authorities are also concerned that some fuel may still be on board, as the vessel had completed repairs and a trial run the previous day.
Meanwhile, residents alleged that the shipyard was operating without proper approvals. They claimed it lacked a valid grama panchayat licence and was functioning despite a stop memo from the Pollution Control Board.
Residents also raised concerns about noise and air pollution, noting that the yard is located close to a school.
Fire and rescue teams from different stations, including Vypin Club Road, remain at the scene. The exact cause of the fire is not yet known.
A detailed investigation will be conducted after the blaze is fully extinguished. Officials will also examine whether equipment used during repair work, such as electric cutting tools, may have contributed to the incident.
(With inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
