It sounds like the puncture you accidentally made in your mini fridge freezer has caused a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is the fluid responsible for cooling your fridge, and when it leaks, it can create a hissing sound and release a distinct odor. The sharpie smell you mentioned might be associated with the type of refrigerant used in your fridge.
When a refrigerant leak occurs, it can severely impact the cooling efficiency of your fridge, and yes, it means your fridge is broken in its current state. The refrigerant is crucial for maintaining the appropriate temperature inside the appliance. Without it, your mini fridge will struggle to cool properly, and the food inside might spoil or thaw if it's a freezer.
In this situation, you should take the following steps:
Safety first: Ensure the area is well-ventilated as refrigerants can be harmful when inhaled. Avoid direct contact with the leaking refrigerant.
Unplug the fridge: Disconnect the mini fridge from the power source immediately to prevent further damage and potential hazards.
Remove food: Take out all the contents of the mini fridge, especially anything in the freezer that could defrost and spoil.
Seek professional help: Contact the manufacturer or a professional appliance repair service to assess the damage and fix the refrigerant leak. They will have the expertise and equipment to handle the issue safely and efficiently.
Remember not to attempt to fix the refrigerant leak yourself, as refrigerants can be hazardous and require specialized knowledge and tools for handling. Always rely on trained professionals for refrigerator repairs involving refrigerant leaks.