A Panama-flagged cargo ship named MV Ocean Winner sank in the Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.

The vessel had 24 crew members on board, including twenty Chinese nationals, three Myanmarese, and one Bangladeshi. Two survivors have been rescued so far, while search efforts continue for the remaining crew.

Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed deep concern over the incident. He confirmed that all agencies are engaged in coordinated search and rescue operations. He stated that the rescued survivors are receiving medical care and their rank and identity are being verified. He also conveyed prayers for the safety of the missing crew.

The vessel was transporting iron ore from Paradip Port to China when it disappeared from tracking systems and later sank more than 200 nautical miles off the Paradip coast. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received information about the loss of communication with the ship on 22 August and activated the International Safety Net. A merchant vessel, MT AISOPOS, was diverted to assist and successfully rescued two survivors from liferafts at around 2000 hours.

The Indian Coast Guard deployed ICGS Varad and ICGS Anmol for the mission, while ICGS Vijit was dispatched from Sri Vijaya Puram to strengthen the operation. Officials reported that the vessel was last tracked near 317 East Island Lt, approximately 310 nautical miles offshore.

A senior police official confirmed that efforts are underway to trace the remaining crew members, though their identities have not yet been disclosed.

MV Ocean Winner was a bulk carrier sailing under the Panama flag, with a length overall of 225 metres and a width of 32.26 metres. The disappearance and sinking of such a large vessel carrying iron ore cargo has raised serious concerns about maritime safety in the busy Bay of Bengal shipping lanes.

The incident highlights the risks faced by seafarers and the importance of robust safety measures and coordinated international rescue programs.

The tragedy has drawn attention from international shipping circles, given the multinational composition of the crew. Authorities in China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh are expected to coordinate with India regarding the welfare of their nationals. Investigations are likely to focus on the vessel’s structural integrity, weather conditions, and possible technical failures that may have contributed to the disaster.

ANI