Panamanian-flagged cargo ship sinks off India's east coast

The MV Ocean Winner, a cargo ship sailing under the Panamanian flag, has sunk approximately 200 nautical miles off India's eastern coast. The incident occurred on Saturday, August 22, 2026, with the cause of the sinking still undetermined.

An immediate search and rescue operation has been launched by the Indian Coast Guard for the vessel's 24 crew members. The crew is comprised of 20 Chinese sailors, three from Burma, and one from Bangladesh. The Coast Guard has successfully rescued two survivors who were found on separate life rafts in the Bay of Bengal, according to local news agency ANI.

Victory Star Group, the ship's operator, reported losing communication with the MV Ocean Winner around midday. The vessel had departed from the Indian port of Paradip in the state of Odisha on Thursday and was scheduled to arrive in Singapore on August 27. Preliminary information suggests the ship was carrying iron ore.

The sinking raises questions about maritime safety and the circumstances leading to the loss of the vessel and its crew. Investigations into the cause are expected to follow as rescue efforts continue.