By The News Observer Desk,
Karwar, Oct. 14: In a rare and tragic incident, a 24-year-old fisherman, Akshay Anil Majalikar, lost his life after being stung by a fish while fishing near Majali Dandebhag in Karwar taluk, Uttara Kannada district.
According to reports, Akshay was fishing on Tuesday when a sharp-nosed fish, locally known as “Kande” (sucker fish), measuring about 8–10 inches, leapt from the sea and pierced his abdomen. The injury caused severe internal damage, and despite receiving treatment at Karwar Government Medical College Hospital (KRIMS), he succumbed to his injuries early Thursday morning.
The incident has drawn wide attention due to its rarity. “Such cases are extremely rare — only the fourth reported worldwide,” said MLC Ganapati Ulvekar, citing information from doctors at KRIMS. Ulvekar, who belongs to the fishermen community, said he had never heard of such an incident before.
Both MLA Satish Sail and MLC Ganapati Ulvekar visited the hospital, offering condolences to Akshay’s family. While the leaders expressed grief, the victim’s parents alleged medical negligence. Akshay’s father, Anil Majalikar, claimed that doctors conducted an X-ray but failed to perform a CT scan, despite part of the fish’s sharp snout possibly remaining inside his son’s body.
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Ulvekar, however, clarified that a preliminary inquiry found no negligence by the doctors but emphasized the need to improve facilities at the medical college, saying, “Poor patients depend on this hospital, and accurate diagnosis is vital.”
The incident has sent shockwaves across the coastal fishing community, highlighting the occupational risks faced by fishermen at sea.
News and Video Input by Saikiran Babrekar
