A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway in the Bay of Bengal after a Panama-flagged bulk carrier carrying 24 crew members sank approximately 240 nautical miles (445 kilometres) off the coast of Odisha in eastern India on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
The vessel, identified as MV Ocean Winner, had departed from Paradip Port in Odisha at approximately 10:42 pm on Thursday, 20 August, carrying 72,100 metric tonnes of iron ore fines bound for Singapore. It was scheduled to arrive in Singapore on 27 August.
The Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Sri Vijaya Puram received an alert at 11:48 am on Saturday regarding a loss of communication with the vessel.
The ship had reportedly disappeared from its tracking system shortly after departing Paradip.
The ICG immediately diverted MT Aisopos, a commercial vessel operating in the vicinity, to search for the ship or any liferafts.
At approximately 8:00 pm on Saturday, MT Aisopos successfully rescued two crew members from separate liferafts.
Crew Nationalities
The 24 crew members comprised:
- Chinese — 20
- Myanmar — 3
- Bangladeshi — 1
The identities of the rescued personnel are currently being verified.
Search Operation Intensifies
The ICG has deployed three of its ships – Varad, Anmol, and Vijit – to conduct surface searches for the remaining 22 crew members. The Indian Navy has also joined the rescue effort.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that the two survivors were receiving medical care.
The MV Ocean Winner was a large vessel measuring 225 metres in length and 32.26 metres in width.
Officials have not yet determined the circumstances that led to the sinking.
