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2 rescued, search on for 22 after Panama-flagged cargo ship sinks in Bay of Bengal | latest updates

From Hindustan Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A Panama-flagged cargo ship, MV Ocean Winner, sank in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Odisha, India.
  • The vessel was carrying 24 crew members, including 20 Chinese, three Myanmarese, and one Bangladeshi national.
  • The Indian Coast Guard and Navy have deployed ships to search for the 22 missing crew members, with two survivors rescued so far.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is intensifying search and rescue operations after the Panama-flagged bulk carrier MV Ocean Winner sank in the Bay of Bengal on August 22. The vessel went down approximately 230 nautical miles from the Paradip coast of Odisha, carrying 24 crew members.

The crew consisted of 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmarese, and one Bangladeshi. A joint rescue operation was launched by the ICG and the Indian Navy, with nearby commercial ships also alerted to assist in locating survivors. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) diverted the commercial vessel MT Aisopos, which successfully rescued two crew members from separate liferafts.

Search & Rescue Operation Underway. On 22 Aug 2026, MRCC #SriVijayaPuram initiated a swift #SAR effort following a distress alert and loss of contact with MV #OceanWinner (230 NM Southeast off Paradip), carrying 24 crew members (20 Chinese, 03 Myanmarese, 01 Bangladeshi). ​Diverted via International Safety Net (ISN), MT AISOPOS successfully rescued 02 survivors from life rafts. We have deployed three ships to conduct surface searches for the remaining crew members.

— ICGAn update shared by the ICG on X detailing the ongoing search and rescue operation.

Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the rescue of the two survivors, who are receiving medical care. Their identities are being verified. The ICG has deployed three of its ships, Varad, Anmol, and Vijit, to continue the search for the remaining 22 crew members. The MV Ocean Winner was transporting iron ore from Odisha to China and had departed Paradip Port on August 20.

Two survivors have been rescued and are being given medical care. Their rank and identity are currently being verified.

— Sarbananda SonowalUnion minister Sarbananda Sonowal provided an update on the rescued personnel.
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Originally published by Hindustan Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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