MUMBAI: A contractual worker on Friday died in a fire which engulfed an empty ship at Mazagaon Dockyard here.

"A major fire incident took place on Yard 12704 (Visakhapatnam), the first class of Project 15 B during operations in a tank at MDL today at 4 PM which was brought under control by 7 PM," said a statement issued by Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

"One contract worker unfortunately succumbed possibly due to asphyxia and burn injury and another suffered minor burns. An inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the fire," the statement read.

The man was declared brought dead at JJ Hospital.