A vessel docked at a private yard caught fire in Kochi

On June 22, 2026, firefighters try to put out a fire on a boat that was brought in for repairs at a private shipyard in Vypin. Photo credit: Special arrangement

Fire and rescue units from several stations in Ernakulam district are engaged in a tough operation to douse the fire on a vessel – according to preliminary reports a boat – berthed at a private boat maintenance yard at Kalamukku in Vypeen.

Local residents first noticed the fire, said to be near the engine section of the vessel, around 4:00 a.m. on Monday (June 22, 2026). The vessel was undergoing maintenance and had reportedly carried out a test run the previous day, raising concerns in the area about the threat posed by the possible presence of fuel.

“We received a call at around 4:30 am. Since then several units from different fire stations rushed to the spot. It is a big fire. Our firemen have not been able to get into the vessel so far and are trying to douse the flames by pumping water from outside,” said sources at Vypeen fire station.

The fire in the densely populated area caused considerable concern. Efforts are also underway to prevent the fire from spreading to other vessels moored nearby.

According to local residents, the private shipyard was operating without a panchayat license or approval from the Pollution Control Board.

Published – 22 Jun 2026 09:21 IST