A cargo ship carrying iron ore from Paradip port to China has reportedly gone missing after losing contact about 200 nautical miles off the coast, prompting the Indian Coast Guard and Navy to launch a search and rescue operation, officials said.
The Panama-flagged vessel, which left Paradip at about 10:30 p.m. on August 20, laden with 1700 tonnes of iron ore fines, was last reported to have been sailing about 200 nautical miles from the port when communication was lost, sources in Paradip Port Authority said.
The vessel was carrying 24 crew members, including 20 Chinese nationals, 1 Bangladeshi, and 3 Myanmar nationals, according to preliminary information. The exact status of the ship and its crew could not be independently confirmed immediately. The vessel’s name, IMO number, total crew strength and the circumstances surrounding the loss of contact have yet to be officially confirmed.
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 said. Other vessels operating in the vicinity have been alerted to assist in locating the ship and rescuing its crew.
Some reports said the vessel may have sunk in deep waters and that crew members were afloat using life jackets and lifeboats while awaiting rescue.
