ICG deploys ships for search-and-rescue operation after Panama-flagged vessel sinks

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has deployed three of its ships for a search-and-rescue operation after a Panama-flagged bulk service, carrying 24 crew members, sank within the Bay of Bengal, about 240 nautical miles from the Paradip coast of Odisha, on Saturday (August 22, 2026), officers mentioned.

The majority service, M.V. Ocean Winner, was carrying “20 Chinese language, three Myanmarese and one Bangladeshi” on board, an ICG spokesperson mentioned.

The vessel’s final port of name was Paradip and subsequent port of name was Singapore, the official added.

ICG’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Sri Vijaya Puram obtained an data from an organization related to the vessel “at 1148 hrs concerning lack of communication with MV Ocean Winner (IMO 9145530), with 24 crew onboard, and a request for search and rescue help”, the ICG spokesperson mentioned.

The ship was carrying iron ore from Odisha, officers had earlier mentioned. The ICG and the Indian Navy have launched the rescue operation, they mentioned.

The MRCC diverted MT Aisopos, a business vessel which was within the neighborhood, to “seek for the vessel or liferafts and render help, and the vessel recovered two survivors from two liferafts at about 2000 hrs”, the ICG spokesperson added.

ICG ships “Varad” and “Anmol” have been deployed for the search-and-rescue efforts, whereas “Vijit” has additionally been deployed from Sri Vijaya Puram to enhance the operation, the official added.