A Panama-flagged cargo ship carrying iron ore from Paradip port to China has reportedly gone missing after losing contact about 200 nautical miles off the Odisha coast, prompting the Indian Coast Guard and Navy to launch a search and rescue operation.
The vessel left Paradip at around 10:30 pm on August 20 with 1,700 tonnes of iron ore fines on board, sources in the Paradip Port Authority said. It was last reported to be sailing about 200 nautical miles from the port before communication was lost.
24 crew members on board
The ship was carrying 24 crew members, including 20 Chinese nationals, one Bangladeshi and three Myanmar nationals, according to preliminary information.
However, the exact status of the vessel and those on board could not be independently confirmed immediately. The ship's name, IMO number, total crew strength and the circumstances surrounding the loss of contact have also not been officially confirmed.
Coast Guard, Navy launch search operation
The Indian Coast Guard and Navy have launched a search and rescue operation following the loss of communication.
Deputy Inspector General of Police in Paradip unit of Indian Coast Guard, Sanjay Negi, said the search and rescue operations are being conducted by the Andaman and Nicobar unit.
"The rescue teams will reach by tomorrow morning," he was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Other vessels operating in the vicinity have also been alerted and asked to assist in locating the ship and rescuing its crew.
Reports suggest possible sinking
Some reports cited by HT have suggested that the vessel may have sunk in deep waters, although this has not been officially confirmed.
According to these reports, some crew members could be afloat using life jackets and lifeboats while waiting for rescue teams to reach the area.
The search operation is underway, with authorities working to establish what happened to the vessel after contact was lost and to determine the condition and whereabouts of all 24 crew members.