The global maritime community is closely following the tragic loss of the Panama-flagged bulk carrier MV Ocean Winner (IMO No. 9145530), which sank in the Bay of Bengal, leaving 22 seafarers missing and prompting a major multinational search and rescue operation.
According to reports, the vessel was carrying 24 crew members, comprising 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals, and one Bangladeshi national, when it disappeared approximately 230 to 240 nautical miles southeast of Paradip, Odisha, India, while on a voyage from Paradip to Singapore with a cargo of 72,100 tonnes of iron ore fines.
PC: Internet
The Indian Coast Guard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) initiated an emergency search and rescue operation after losing contact with the vessel and receiving a distress report from the ship’s operating company. Nearby merchant vessels in the area were immediately alerted and requested to assist in the search efforts.
A nearby commercial vessel, MT Isopos, responding to the MRCC’s request, successfully rescued two survivors from separate liferafts. Reports indicate that one of the rescued seafarers is the sole Bangladeshi crew member who was serving onboard the vessel. The identities and medical condition of the rescued crew members have not been officially confirmed.
The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy have since deployed multiple assets, including Coast Guard vessels Barad, Anmol, and Vijit, to continue the extensive search operation. Authorities are also coordinating with merchant vessels transiting the area in an effort to locate the remaining missing crew members and any additional liferafts.
The circumstances surrounding the sinking remain unclear. Investigators have not yet determined whether the vessel suffered a technical failure, encountered severe weather, experienced an onboard emergency, or faced any other incident. Prior to the loss, authorities had been examining whether the disappearance from tracking systems was related to a malfunction of the vessel’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) or another operational issue.
Source: Internet
The maritime fraternity remains hopeful that additional survivors may yet be found as search efforts continue.
The BD Mariners community expresses its deepest concern for all those affected by this tragedy and stands in solidarity with the families, friends, and colleagues of the missing seafarers. We also extend our best wishes for the recovery and wellbeing of the rescued crew members.
We pray for the safety of those still missing and for strength and comfort for their loved ones during this difficult time.
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