India launches rescue operation as bulk carrier with 24 crew sinks off east coast

India's maritime rescue agency has initiated a search and rescue operation after a Panama-flagged cargo vessel sank off the country's eastern coast. The vessel, identified as the Ocean Winner, was carrying iron ore and had 24 crew members on board when it lost communication and subsequently sank.

The crew comprised 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals, and one Bangladeshi. The Indian Coast Guard deployed two vessels from Sri Vijaya Puram to conduct the search. As of Saturday, the Coast Guard had successfully rescued two individuals from life rafts, and efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining seafarers.

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The vessel had 24 crew on board, including 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals and one Bangladeshi.

The Ocean Winner had departed from India's eastern Paradip port on Thursday, bound for Singapore. The ship sank approximately 240 nautical miles from the port. The specific cause leading to the vessel's sinking remains unknown at this time.

Captain Alekha Charan Sahoo, deputy conservator of the Paradip Port Authority, expressed his hopes for the safety of the crew, stating, "I am praying for the safety of the crew on board and hoping for the best."

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I am praying for the safety of the crew on board and hoping for the best.