Uncertainty continues to surround the disappearance of Odia merchant navy official Sarthak Mahapatra, who went missing from deep waters near Mauritius over a week ago. Despite search efforts, there has been no breakthrough in locating the 23-year-old seafarer, leaving his family and maritime bodies anxious and distressed.
Sarthak, a native of Odisha, disappeared under mysterious circumstances on February 3 while serving aboard the merchant vesselEA Jersey, operated by Anglo Eastern Shipping Company. The vessel was reportedly on a return voyage from Singapore to China when the incident occurred. He had joined the company in July 2025.
Following his disappearance, search operations were initiated, but authorities have so far failed to trace him. The circumstances leading to his disappearance remain unclear, and no official confirmation regarding his status has been provided.
Amid the prolonged uncertainty, the Seafarers’ Association of Odisha held a press conference on Tuesday, expressing concern over the lack of clear updates. Association president Navin Sarma said the absence of ground-level information has caused immense distress to Sarthak’s family.
“The family is going through a very difficult time as they still do not know what has happened to him. Even after more than a week, there is no concrete information from the authorities,” Sarma said.
He added that the case falls under the jurisdiction of central maritime authorities. According to him, the Government of India, through the Director General of Shipping, is responsible for issuing instructions and ensuring clarity regarding the investigation and search operations.
The incident has renewed calls for greater transparency, timely communication, and coordinated international efforts in cases involving missing Indian seafarers in foreign waters.
