A cargo ship carrying iron ore from Paradip port to China has reportedly gone missing after losing communication 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 departed Paradip at around 10:30 p.m. on August 20, carrying 1,700 tonnes of iron ore fines. Sources at the Paradip Port Authority said the ship was last reported to be sailing about 200 nautical miles from the port when contact was lost.
24 Crew Members Reportedly On Board
According to preliminary information, the vessel was carrying 24 crew members, including 20 Chinese nationals, one Bangladeshi and three Myanmar nationals.
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 also not been officially confirmed.
Search And Rescue Operation Underway
Deputy Inspector General of Police in the Paradip unit of the Indian Coast Guard, Sanjay Negi, said the search and rescue operation was being conducted by the Andaman and Nicobar unit.
"The rescue teams will reach by tomorrow morning," he said.
Other vessels operating in the area have also been alerted to help locate the missing ship and rescue its crew.
Reports Claim Vessel May Have Sunk
Some reports suggested that the vessel may have sunk in deep waters, with crew members reportedly afloat using life jackets and lifeboats while awaiting rescue.
The search and rescue operation remains underway.
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