Millions of Boothayi fish wash ashore at Ullal Beach, drawing crowds of locals

Millions of Boothayi fish wash ashore at Ullal Beach, drawing crowds of locals

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 18, 2026: An extraordinary sight unfolded along the Ullal beach in Dakshina Kannada district on Saturday when millions of Boothayi fish washed ashore, drawing hundreds of curious locals and tourists to the coastline.

The silver-coloured fish, which typically travel in massive schools in deep waters, were seen scattered across a long stretch of the beach, creating a spectacular scene.

According to local accounts, the huge school of fish is believed to have changed direction after being disturbed by a traditional fishing boat that crossed its path at sea. As the startled fish moved towards the shore, powerful waves crashed into the school, sweeping the entire shoal onto the sandy beach.

Unable to return to the sea due to the force of the waves, thousands of the live fish remained stranded along the shoreline.

As news of the unusual event spread, hundreds of residents from Ullal and nearby areas rushed to the beach carrying buckets, plastic bags, and baskets to collect the fish. The rare phenomenon also attracted tourists, many of whom gathered to witness and record the remarkable spectacle.