Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Immediate Action to Locate Missing Odisha Marine Engineer
In a critical development, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has taken decisive steps to address the alarming disappearance of a young marine engineer from Odisha. On Friday, Pradhan penned an urgent letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, calling for immediate intervention to trace and rescue Sarthak Mohapatra.
Mysterious Disappearance During Maritime Transit
The 22-year-old cadet, Sarthak Mohapatra, was reported missing under what authorities describe as "unexplained circumstances" from the container vessel EA Jersey. The incident occurred on the morning of February 3, while the ship was transiting approximately 135 nautical miles east of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.
In his correspondence, Pradhan characterized Mohapatra's disappearance as "sudden and mysterious," emphasizing the need for Jaishankar to personally oversee the case. The education minister also reached out to Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, highlighting the multi-ministerial concern surrounding this distressing situation.
Political Leaders Unite in Appeal for Rescue Efforts
The call for action has garnered support from prominent political figures in Odisha. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik and party MP Debashish Samantaray have both formally requested Jaishankar's intervention to ensure Mohapatra's safe recovery. This bipartisan appeal underscores the gravity of the situation and the collective urgency felt across political lines.
Comprehensive Search Operation Underway in Indian Ocean
Authorities have confirmed that an extensive search and rescue operation is actively progressing in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mauritius is coordinating this critical mission, which involves:
- Multiple surface vessels patrolling designated search areas
- Aerial assets conducting systematic surveillance
- Implementation of internationally recognized search patterns to maximize coverage
The coordinated effort represents a significant mobilization of maritime rescue resources, reflecting the high priority placed on locating the young marine engineer. As the search continues, family members, colleagues, and officials await any developments with hopeful anticipation.
