**Executive Summary**
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, has initiated immediate multi-agency search and rescue operations following the reported missing of an Indian seafarer, Mr. Sarthak Mohapatra from the vessel EA Jersey on February 3, 2026. The DGS has activated its crisis response mechanism, informed relevant authorities, and is coordinating with stakeholders to locate the missing seafarer and investigate the incident. The Government of Odisha has requested expeditious action.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Incident:**
* Mr. Sarthak Mohapatra, an Indian seafarer (Cadet), was reported missing from the vessel EA Jersey (Flag: Singapore) on 3 February 2026.
* **Immediate Actions:**
* The DGS initiated immediate and coordinated action, activating its crisis response mechanism.
* The matter has been formally taken up with the Flag State Administration of Singapore and MRCC Mauritius.
* Search and rescue operations are being conducted under the coordination of MRCC Mauritius, with the assistance of two to three vessels in the vicinity.
* **Stakeholder Engagement:**
* Informed the Next of Kin (NOK) of the missing seafarer and is ensuring all necessary assistance and support.
* Intensified coordination with all concerned stakeholders.
* Government of Odisha has requested expeditious action.
* **Investigation and Compliance:**
* Initiated steps for a fact-finding investigation by the competent authorities.
* Ensuring that all contractual and legal obligations, including welfare assistance, are addressed in accordance with applicable laws, international conventions, and agreements.
* **Ongoing Monitoring:**
* The case is being reviewed on a continuous basis through the Directorate's crisis management framework, and all developments are being closely monitored.
* The situation has been reviewed by the Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Secretary, MoPSW, who have directed the DG Shipping to expedite search and rescue and investigation efforts.
* Updates on the situation will be shared as it develops.
* **Support to the family:**
* The Recruitment and Placement Service Licensee has been directed to extend all possible support and assistance to the family.
**Impact Analysis**
**Seafarer's Family**
* **Impact:** Experiencing emotional distress and uncertainty due to the missing seafarer.
* **Action Required:** Receive updates from the DGS and the Recruitment and Placement Service Licensee, and cooperate with authorities in the search and investigation efforts.
**Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)**
* **Impact:** Responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations and investigating the incident.
* **Action Required:** Continue monitoring the search and rescue operations, conduct a thorough investigation, ensure compliance with legal and contractual obligations, and provide support to the seafarer's family.
**Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW)**
* **Impact:** Overseeing the efforts to locate the missing seafarer and ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.
* **Action Required:** Provide direction and resources to the DGS, and monitor the progress of the search and rescue operations and investigation.
**Recruitment and Placement Service Licensee**
* **Impact:** Responsible for providing support and assistance to the seafarer's family.
* **Action Required:** Extend all possible support and assistance to the family.
**Government of Odisha**
* **Impact:** Concerned for the welfare of its citizens and seeking swift action.
* **Action Required:** Monitor the progress of the search and rescue operations and investigation.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate General of Shipping (DGS): Primary agency responsible for initiating the multi-agency response to the missing seafarer incident.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The ministry under which the DGS operates, overseeing the situation.
Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Mauritius (MRCC Mauritius): The primary agency coordinating the search and rescue operations.
Mumbai: Location of the Directorate General of Shipping.
Singapore: Flag State Administration of the vessel from which the seafarer went missing.
F. No. 23-CLT/9/2026-CREW-DGS (C. No. 38774) Date: 06.02.2026
Press Release
Subject: Directorate General of Shipping Initiates Immediate Multi-Agency Response
in Missing Indian Seafarer Case – reg.
Mumbai | 6 February 2026
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways,
Government of India, has initiated immediate and coordinated action following the reported
missing of Mr. Sarthak Mohapatra, an Indian seafarer (Rank: Cadet), from the vessel EA Jersey
(Flag: Singapore) while the vessel was at sea on 3 February 2026.
As per information received from the Recruitment and Placement Service Licensee, Anglo-
Eastern Ship Management (India) Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Mohapatra was last seen onboard the vessel
in the early hours of 3 February 2026. Upon confirmation of the incident, the Directorate
promptly activated its crisis response mechanism.
The matter has been formally taken up with the Flag State Administration of Singapore, the
Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Mauritius (MRCC Mauritius), the vessel’s P&I Club,
concerned Indian authorities, and the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) to ensure
coordinated search, rescue, and investigation efforts. Search and rescue operations are currently
being conducted under the coordination of MRCC Mauritius, with the assistance of two to three
vessels operating in the vicinity.
The Next of Kin (NOK) of the missing seafarer has been informed, and the Directorate is
ensuring that all necessary assistance and support mechanisms are extended to the family
during this difficult time. The case is being reviewed on a continuous basis through the
Directorate’s crisis management framework, and all developments are being closely monitored.
The Directorate General of Shipping has also initiated steps for a fact-finding investigation by
the competent authorities and will ensure that all contractual and legal obligations, including
welfare assistance, are addressed in accordance with applicable laws, international
conventions, and agreements.
The Government of Odisha has taken up the matter at the highest level following an urgent
appeal from the family of the missing seafarer and has formally requested expeditious action.
Acting on this, the Directorate has further intensified coordination with all concerned
stakeholders.
Every effort is being made to locate Mr. Sarthak Mohapatra. The situation has been reviewed
at the highest level by the Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the
Secretary, MoPSW, who have directed the Director General of Shipping to maintain a close
watch on the search and rescue operations and to ensure that the investigation into the incident
is expedited.The Recruitment and Placement Service Licensee has been directed to extend all possible
support and assistance to the family of Mr. Sarthak Mohapatra.
The Government of India remains firmly committed to the safety, welfare, and rights of Indian
seafarers worldwide. Further updates will be shared as the situation develops.
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