MV Ocean Winner search ends with 22 crew members presumed dead

The week-long search for 22 missing crew members of the Panama-flagged bulk carrier MV Ocean Winner has concluded, with authorities presuming the seafarers are dead. The vessel sank on August 22 in the Bay of Bengal shortly after departing Paradip Port with approximately 72,000 tonnes of iron ore destined for China.

Of the 24 crew members on board, only two Chinese nationals were rescued from a life raft. The search operation involved the Indian Coast Guard, the Indian Navy, and merchant and Chinese vessels. While rescuers recovered an empty lifeboat and an emergency beacon, no other traces of the crew were found.

Following the end of rescue efforts, investigations are shifting toward the cause of the sinking. The Paradip Port Shramik Karmachari Union has sought to file a First Information Report (FIR) to investigate potential issues regarding the vessel’s seaworthiness, cargo stability, and compliance with safety codes. However, marine police in Paradip have declined to register the complaint, stating the incident occurred in international maritime waters beyond Indian jurisdiction.