The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy have launched a search-and-rescue operation after a Panama-flagged cargo vessel carrying iron ore from Odisha’s Paradip port to China reportedly lost contact around 200 nautical miles off the Odisha coast.
The vessel, which reportedly departed Paradip at around 10:30 pm on August 20 with approximately 1,700 tonnes of iron ore fines, was sailing towards China when communication was lost.
According to preliminary information, 24 crew members were aboard the vessel, including 20 Chinese nationals, one Bangladeshi national and three Myanmar nationals. The exact identity of the ship, its IMO number and other details were yet to be officially confirmed.
Following the loss of contact, the Indian Coast Guard and Navy initiated coordinated search-and-rescue efforts to locate the vessel and ascertain the condition of those on board.
Deputy Inspector General of Police at the Paradip unit of the Indian Coast Guard, Sanjay Negi, said rescue operations were being undertaken by the Andaman and Nicobar unit. Other vessels operating in the vicinity have also been alerted to assist in locating the ship and its crew.
Preliminary reports suggested that the vessel may have sunk in deep waters. There were also unconfirmed reports that crew members could be using life jackets and lifeboats while awaiting rescue.
The incident has triggered a major maritime search operation in waters around 200 nautical miles from Paradip. The considerable distance from the coast, sea conditions and the size of the search area could pose challenges for rescue teams.
Authorities are continuing efforts to establish the exact circumstances behind the vessel’s disappearance and determine the whereabouts and condition of all 24 crew members.
The coordinated response by the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy underscores the critical role of India’s maritime security agencies in responding to emergencies and conducting search-and-rescue operations in the country’s maritime domain.
