The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on Friday said it has initiated a multi-agency response to trace Odisha sailor Sarthak Mohapatra, who went missing from a vessel at sea on February 3.
The DGS, in a post on X, said search and rescue operations are underway in coordination with international and national stakeholders.
“Search and rescue operations are underway. The government of India remains fully committed to the safety, welfare and rights of Indian seafarers worldwide,” it said.
To ensure a synchronised coordinated search, rescue, and investigation efforts, the directorate has engaged with the Singapore Flag State Administration, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mauritius, the vessel’s Protection & Indemnity Club, and the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS).
Currently, the search and rescue operations are being conducted by MRCC Mauritius, with support from two to three merchant vessels navigating near the area where the sailor was last seen.
“The DGS has also initiated steps for a fact-finding investigation by 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,” it said.
Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, has initiated an immediate and coordinated multi-agency response in the case of the missing Indian seafarer, Mr. Sarthak Mohapatra (Cadet), from the vessel EA Jersey (Singapore… pic.twitter.com/ewxSQrskWH
— Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India (@dgshipping_IN) February 6, 2026
The Odisha government has escalated the matter to the highest levels following an appeal from the sailor’s family, urging the Centre for expedited action.
The situation is also being reviewed by the minister for shipping and waterways and the secretary, who have directed the DGS to maintain a close watch on the search and rescue operations, the statement said.
Several leaders from the state, including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, Industries Minister Sampad Swain, MPs and MLAs have taken up the issue with the Ministry of Shipping, MEA and other central authorities.
In letters to Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Pradhan sought their intervention. Bhadrak MP Avimanyu Sethi met Jaishankar on Friday morning and discussed the issue.
“The minister has taken the matter very seriously and assured that all possible steps will be taken to assist in resolving the situation,” Sethi wrote on X.
Expressing concern over the disappearance of the sailor near Mauritius since February 3, Patnaik sought the Centre’s intervention to trace him.
“Deeply concerned about the disappearance of Cadet Sarthak Mohapatra from #Odisha. My thoughts are with his family,” Patnaik wrote on X.
Sarthak’s mother, Rashmita Mohapatra, has lodged a missing person report at Saheednagar police station here.
