Sarthak Mahapatra, a Merchant Navy cadet from Bhadrak district in Odisha, went missing while working aboard the vessel EA Jersey, managed by Anglo-Eastern Ship Management. The ship was returning to Singapore from West Africa when the incident occurred under unclear circumstances during duty hours.

Sarthak last spoke to his mother and other family members through a video call on February 2. However, when attempts to contact him the next day failed, the family grew concerned. On the morning of February 3, the ship’s chief officer checked his cabin and found him missing. A thorough search was immediately conducted across the vessel, followed by a crew headcount, which confirmed his absence.

The vessel slowed down and intensified search operations in nearby waters. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mauritius was also informed, but no breakthrough had been reported at the time of writing.

Distressed by the incident, Sarthak’s mother has appealed to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, the Director General of Police, and central authorities, seeking immediate assistance to locate her son and bring him home safely.