International Desk

A Panama-flagged bulk carrier has sunk off the Odisha coast in the Bay of Bengal, leaving 22 of its 24 crew members missing, including a Bangladeshi sailor. Two crew members have been rescued alive.

According to Indian news outlet NDTV, the vessel, MV Ocean Winner, was carrying around 1,700 tonnes of iron ore when it departed Odisha's Paradip Port for Singapore on August 20.

The ship had 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals and one Bangladeshi on board.

Rescue Operation Underway After Contact Lost

India's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) said an affiliate of the ship's builder contacted the authorities at around 11:48 am on Saturday, reporting that contact with the MV Ocean Winner had been lost.

The Indian Coast Guard then identified the possible location of the incident and launched a search and rescue operation. After several hours of efforts, two crew members were rescued alive at around 8 pm.

The vessel is believed to have sunk approximately 240 nautical miles from Paradip Port.

Three Navy Ships Deployed

The Indian Navy has also joined the Coast Guard in the search for the missing crew members. Three naval vessels—Varad, Anmol and Vijit—have been deployed for the rescue operation.

Officials said the search for the 22 missing crew members is continuing in the area.

Cause of Sinking Remains Unknown

It is not yet clear exactly when or why the vessel sank. Officials said more details about the cause of the accident could emerge after the search and rescue operation is completed.

The identity of the Bangladeshi sailor among the missing crew members has not yet been disclosed.