In a heartbreaking incident that has left a family in distress, a young cadet from Odisha, Sarthak Mohapatra, has been reported missing since February 3, 2026, while serving onboard the vessel EA JERSEY.
The Government of Odisha has urgently appealed to the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), the Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Foreign Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, and the Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs for immediate intervention to trace and rescue the missing seafarer, highlighting the growing concerns over safety in maritime operations.
According to official documents from the Office of the Chief Resident Commissioner of Odisha in New Delhi, Mohapatra’s mother, Rashmita Sahoo, a resident of Bhadrak district, made a desperate plea to Odisha’s Chief Minister for help. The appeal details how Mohapatra vanished under mysterious circumstances during his duty as a cadet. He joined the vessel on July 14, 2025, and was last seen at 0615 local time (LT) on February 3, entering his designated cabin, as reported by the ship’s Bosun.
A timeline provided by Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (India) Private Limited, the recruitment agency, paints a tense picture of the events that unfolded. At 0830 LT, the Chief Officer checked Mohapatra’s cabin but found it empty. By 0850 LT, the Steward (STSM) attempted to serve breakfast, only to discover he was absent. Searches intensified: an accommodation check at 0915 LT by STSM and DTSM yielded no results, followed by deck inspections from forward to aft. By 0940 LT, the ship’s general alarm was raised, and a muster revealed Mohapatra as the only missing crew member.
The response escalated quickly. At 0948 LT, a public address (PA) announcement initiated a thorough search by the entire crew, with the vessel slowing to minimum speed. By 1100 LT, a general emergency alarm was sounded, and all crew were accounted for except Mohapatra. Distress alerts were transmitted via VHF, MF, and HF Digital Selective Calling (DSC), and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mauritius was notified. The vessel turned around to the last known position—20°40.8’N 060°10.1’E—and proceeded at full speed. Onboard searches concluded at 1110 LT with no sign of the cadet.
The MRCC Mauritius is currently leading search and rescue operations, assisted by the vessel Shandong Civilization. The family has been notified, with the agency expressing condolences and committing to updates. Rashmita Sahoo, in her emotional appeal, described the “grave concern” caused by her son’s unexplained disappearance, urging personal intervention from high-level authorities, including the President, Prime Minister, and various ministers.
The Odisha government, through Principal Resident Commissioner Vishal Gagan, IAS, has forwarded the request to the four departments, emphasising the need for expeditious action. Copies were also sent to key officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, the Chief Secretary, and the Collector of Bhadrak. The family’s contact number has been shared for direct updates.
This incident underscores the perils faced by seafarers, particularly young cadets, in international waters. As of now, no further details on the search progress have been released, but the family remains hopeful for a safe resolution. Authorities have been urged to keep both the Odisha office and the family informed.
Anglo-Eastern Ship Management has assured full cooperation, with General Manager Umesh Kumar available for assistance.
The case has drawn attention to maritime safety protocols, prompting calls for enhanced monitoring and rapid response mechanisms in such emergencies.
