Search and rescue operations are continuing for the remaining crew members. Two crew members have been rescued after a Panama-flagged cargo ship carrying 24 people sank in the Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Saturday.
The two survivors have been taken for medical care, while their ranks and identities are being verified. “Deeply concerned by the unfortunate incident involving MV OCEAN WINNER off the coast of Odisha. The Panama-flagged vessel was carrying iron ore from Paradip Port to China. Victory Star Group Co Ltd subsequently requested search and rescue assistance. The Indian Coast Guard has deployed ICGS Varad and ICGS Anmol for the rescue operation. ICGS Vijit was also sent from Sri Vijaya Puram to strengthen the search effort. The identities of the two rescued sailors were not immediately available. Search operations remain underway as Indian authorities and other agencies continue efforts to locate the missing crew members.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received information late on Saturday, August 22, after communication with the vessel was lost, according to officials.
Sonowal said in a post on X that all agencies were working together in the rescue operation. All agencies are coordinating closely and actively doing search and rescue efforts,” he said. A senior police official said efforts were underway to locate the other crew members.
