Odisha Deck Cadet Goes Missing at Sea During Merchant Ship Internship
A 23-year-old youth from Odisha, serving as a deck cadet on the merchant vessel EA Jersey, has been reported missing while the ship was sailing from Mauritius to Singapore. The incident has triggered a large-scale search operation involving multiple maritime agencies.
Details of the Disappearance
Sarthak Mohapatra, a resident of Bhadrak district in Odisha, joined the EA Jersey in July of last year as part of a maritime internship program. According to information received from the vessel's master, managed by Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (India) Private Limited, Mohapatra was last seen entering his designated cabin at 6:15 local time on February 3.
The communication to his parents indicates that at 8:30 am, the chief officer checked his cabin but found him absent. A subsequent check at 8:50 am also confirmed his absence, prompting an immediate search of accommodation and deck areas.
Emergency Response and Search Operations
At 09:40 local time, the ship's general alarm was raised, and all crew members mustered except Mohapatra. A thorough search commenced shortly after, with the vessel slowing to minimum speed. By 11:00 local time, a general emergency alarm was activated, and a distress alert was transmitted via VHF MF HF DSC.
Officials from the vessel's company confirmed that the nearest coast station, MRCC Mauritius, was informed about the incident. The vessel was turned around on a reciprocal course and proceeded at full speed to Mohapatra's last known position. Despite completing onboard searches of all areas by 11:10 local time, Mohapatra was not found.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mauritius is currently conducting search operations in coordination with the vessel Shandong Civilization.
Family's Anguish and Appeals for Help
Sarthak's mother, Rashmita Mohapatra, who works as a nursing officer at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, stated that she last spoke to her son around 9 pm on the previous night via a phone call. One of Sarthak's friends also confirmed speaking to him around 10:30 pm that same night.
In an emotional appeal, Rashmita has reached out to the Odisha state government, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Prime Minister's Office, seeking urgent assistance to trace her son. She has also lodged a missing complaint at the Saheed Nagar police station in Bhubaneswar.
"His unexplained disappearance has caused grave concern to me and my family members," she wrote in an email to the Odisha Chief Minister, requesting his personal intervention. Sarthak is the only child of his parents.
Government Response and Coordination
Odisha's Culture Secretary, Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, has confirmed that the state government is in touch with the Union government regarding the matter. The government has directed Odisha's principal resident commissioner in New Delhi to write to the MEA and the Shipping Ministry, seeking their intervention to expedite the search and investigation.
This distressing incident highlights the challenges and risks associated with maritime professions, particularly for young interns gaining experience at sea. The international maritime community remains vigilant as search efforts continue in the hope of locating the missing cadet.
