The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has ramped up efforts to locate Sarthak Mohapatra, an Indian cadet seafarer who went missing from the Singapore-flagged merchant vessel EA Jersey while on duty. The incident was reported on February 3, 2026, with Mohapatra last seen aboard the ship in the early hours of that day.
Upon receiving notification from Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (India) Pvt Ltd, which handles recruitment and placement, the DGS activated its crisis response protocol. The DGS, functioning under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has involved various national and international agencies in the search, including Singapore’s Flag State Administration, Mauritius’ Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), the vessel’s protection and indemnity club, Indian authorities, and the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society.
Search operations are currently underway, led by MRCC Mauritius, with the assistance of multiple vessels in the area. The DGS is continuously reviewing the situation within its crisis management framework, ensuring all developments are closely monitored. Mohapatra hails from Gopalabindha village in Odisha’s Bhadrak district. The DGS has communicated with his family and is providing necessary support during this challenging period.
In addition to the search, a fact-finding investigation has been launched to examine the circumstances surrounding Mohapatra’s disappearance. The investigation intends to ensure compliance with all legal and contractual obligations regarding crew welfare according to relevant laws and international conventions. The situation has been elevated to a political level, with Odisha’s Minister for Industries, Sampad Chandra Swain, requesting Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s intervention to facilitate the search and rescue efforts.
Following this political engagement, the DGS has strengthened coordination with relevant stakeholders. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has stressed the urgency of closely monitoring the search operations and expediting the investigation. The Recruitment and Placement Service Licensee has been directed to provide full support to Mohapatra’s family as the case develops.
Overall, the situation is being handled with utmost seriousness as authorities work collaboratively to locate the missing seafarer and ensure that the highest standards of safety and rights for maritime personnel are upheld during this incident.
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