Kolkata: The Indian Coast Guard has dispatched two ships on a search and rescue mission after the cargo ship Ocean Winner sank off the coast of eastern India. The maritime rescue authority in India reported losing contact with the vessel on Saturday. The Ocean Winner, sailing under the flag of Panama, was navigating the waters when it met its unfortunate fate.
According to Emirates News Agency, Coast Guard spokesperson Amit Uniyal confirmed that there were 24 crew members aboard the ship, including 20 Chinese nationals, three from Myanmar, and one from Bangladesh. The Coast Guard has successfully rescued two individuals from liferafts, while efforts continue to locate the remaining sailors.
The government sources revealed that the Ocean Winner was transporting a cargo of iron ore destined for Singapore, having departed from Paradip Port in eastern India on Thursday. The vessel sank approximately 240 nautical miles off the port. The reason behind the sinking is yet to be determined, and investigations are underway to uncover the cause of this maritime disaster.