TNI Bureau: Sarthak Mahapatra, a merchant navy cadet from Bhadrak district in Odisha, has gone missing while on duty aboard the vessel EA Jersey near Mauritius waters.
He was serving with Anglo-Eastern Ship Management and was on a return voyage to Singapore from West Africa when the incident occurred. Company officials said Sarthak was last seen entering his cabin on the morning of February 3. When the chief officer checked his cabin around 8:30 am, it was found empty. A thorough search of the ship was carried out, an alarm was raised, and a crew headcount confirmed that he was not on board.
The vessel slowed down and intensified search operations in the surrounding sea. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mauritius was informed and coordinated search efforts were launched. No trace of Sarthak has been found so far.
had joined Anglo-Eastern Ship Management on July 14, 2025. He last spoke to his mother via video call on February 2 and was also in touch with other relatives and friends that day. Attempts to contact him on February 3 were unsuccessful.
His family has expressed growing concern and is awaiting further updates from authorities.
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has expressed deep concern over the disappearance of Cadet Sarthak Mohapatra from Odisha.
In a statement, he said his thoughts are with Sarthak’s family and urged the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India, and the Ministry of External Affairs to extend urgent assistance and coordinate with all stakeholders to support the family and speed up search efforts. He also prayed for Sarthak’s safe return.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das has expressed deep concern over the disappearance of Sarthak Mohapatra, a merchant navy cadet from Odisha, who was last seen on February 3, 2026, aboard the vessel EA Jersey near Mauritius waters.
Despite ongoing search efforts, there has been no breakthrough so far. Das urged External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to intensify efforts, coordinate closely with international agencies, and extend full support to Sarthak’s family.
