Panama-Flagged Ship Sinks in Bay of Bengal: 2 Rescued, 22 Crew Remain Missing
A Panama-flagged cargo vessel carrying 24 crew members has sunk in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Odisha, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation. Two crew members have been rescued, while the search continues for the remaining 22.
The vessel, identified as MV Ocean Winner, was transporting iron ore from Paradip Port to China. Its crew comprised 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals and one from Bangladesh, according to officials.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received information late on Saturday, August 22, about the loss of communication with the ship and a request for search and rescue assistance from Victory Star Group Co Ltd, the vessel's operator. The last reported position of the ship was approximately 310 nautical miles from East Island Lt, officials said.
Following the distress alert, the MRCC activated the International Safety Net (ISN), a broadcasting system used to alert nearby vessels. It also diverted the merchant vessel MT Aisopos to assist in the search. The merchant vessel later rescued two survivors from two liferafts at around 2000 hours.
Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed deep concern over the incident. In a post on X, he said all agencies are coordinating closely and actively engaged in search and rescue efforts. "Two survivors have been successfully rescued and are being given medical care; their rank and identity are currently being verified. My prayers for the safety of the remaining crew," he added.
The Indian Coast Guard has deployed ICGS Varad and ICGS Anmol for the rescue mission, while ICGS Vijit was also deployed from Sri Vijaya Puram to augment the operation. Officials said search efforts are continuing in the area, with a close watch on sea conditions.
According to maritime tracking platform MarineTraffic, MV Ocean Winner is a bulk carrier with an overall length of 225 metres and a beam of 32.26 metres. The ship reportedly disappeared from the tracking system after departing from Paradip and later sank in the Bay of Bengal.
The MRCC, which operates under the Indian Coast Guard, is the coordinating body for maritime emergencies in the region. The activation of the International Safety Net is a standard procedure to broadcast alerts to ships in the vicinity, enabling quicker help. The operation has also drawn attention from multiple countries due to the international composition of the crew, though no official details on diplomatic coordination have been released.
The cause of the sinking has not been established. Officials said the identities of the rescued crew members are being verified and their medical care is a priority. The search for the remaining crew will continue until all options are exhausted, authorities said.
