Indian Coast Guard, Navy Launch Search for China-Bound Cargo Vessel Reportedly Sunk Off Odisha Coast

The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation after a Panama-flagged cargo vessel carrying iron ore from Odisha’s Paradip port to China reportedly lost contact about 200 nautical miles off the Odisha coast.

The vessel is said to have departed Paradip at around 10:30 pm on August 20 with about 1,700 tonnes of iron ore fines on board. It was en route to China when communication with the ship was lost, prompting concern over the safety of those aboard and the ship’s whereabouts.

According to preliminary information, 24 crew members were on the vessel. The crew reportedly included 20 Chinese nationals, one Bangladeshi national and three Myanmar nationals. However, the exact identity of the ship, its IMO number and other identifying details had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.

Once contact was lost, the Coast Guard and Navy began working together to trace the vessel and establish the condition of the crew. The search effort has been expanded to include other ships operating in the area, which have been alerted to help in the effort if needed.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Sanjay Negi, who is posted at the Paradip unit of the Indian Coast Guard, said the rescue operation was being carried out by the Andaman and Nicobar unit. He added that vessels in the vicinity had also been informed so they could assist in locating the ship and its crew.

There have been preliminary indications that the vessel may have sunk in deep waters, though this has not been confirmed. Unverified reports have also suggested that some crew members may be using life jackets and lifeboats while waiting to be rescued. Authorities have not yet confirmed these claims.

The incident has set off a large maritime search operation in an area roughly 200 nautical miles from Paradip. The distance from shore, together with sea conditions and the size of the search zone, is expected to make the operation difficult.

Authorities are continuing to piece together what happened to the vessel and are working to determine the location and condition of all 24 crew members. For now, the focus remains on locating the ship and establishing whether any of those on board can be reached safely.