Indian Authorities Intensify Search To Trace Missing Seafarer On Singapore-Flagged Vessel

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has intensified efforts to trace an Indian seafarer who went missing while on duty aboard a Singapore-flagged merchant vessel earlier this month.

Sarthak Mohapatra, an Odia seafarer serving as a cadet, was reported missing from the vessel EA Jersey on 3 February 2026 while the ship was at sea. He was last seen onboard in the early hours of the day.

The information was received by the DGS from the Recruitment and Placement Service Licensee, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (India) Pvt Ltd, after which the Directorate activated its crisis response mechanism.

The DGS, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has taken up the matter with several national and international agencies to ensure coordinated search and rescue efforts.

These include the Flag State Administration of Singapore, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Mauritius (MRCC Mauritius), the vessel’s protection and indemnity (P&I) club, Indian authorities, and the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS).

Search and rescue operations are being carried out under the coordination of MRCC Mauritius, with the support of two to three vessels operating in the area.

The Directorate has stated that the case is being reviewed continuously under its crisis management framework and that developments are being closely monitored.

Mohapatra is a native of Gopalabindha village in Odisha’s Bhadrak district. The DGS has confirmed that the next of kin has been informed and that all necessary assistance and support are being provided to the family during this difficult time.

Alongside the search operation, the Directorate has initiated steps for a fact-finding investigation by the competent authorities.

The investigation will ensure that all contractual and legal obligations, including crew welfare, are met in accordance with applicable laws, international conventions, and agreements.

The matter has also been taken up at the political level. Odisha’s Minister for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain, sought the intervention of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal to help trace and rescue the missing seafarer.

Following this, the DGS further strengthened coordination with all concerned stakeholders.

The situation has been reviewed at the highest level within the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The Minister and the Secretary of the ministry have directed the Director General of Shipping to closely monitor the search and rescue operations and to ensure that the investigation is carried out without delay.

The Recruitment and Placement Service Licensee has been instructed to extend all possible support to the family of Sarthak Mohapatra.

References: newindianexpress, kalingatv

Source: Maritime Shipping News