Seafarer – Family Seeks Urgent Action After Odisha Cadet Vanishes at Sea

Seafarer – A 22-year-old merchant navy trainee from Odisha has been reported missing while on duty aboard an international cargo vessel, prompting his family to seek urgent intervention from both the state and central governments.

Sarthak Mohapatra, who was serving as a deck cadet on the vessel EA Jersey, has not been seen since February 3. The ship is operated by Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Pvt Ltd. His family, based in Odisha, says communication with him stopped abruptly while the vessel was on an international voyage, raising serious concerns about his safety.

Family Reports Sudden Loss of Contact

According to his mother, Rashmita Mohapatra, the last conversation with her son took place on February 2, when the ship was sailing close to Singapore. During that call, Sarthak spoke not only to his immediate family but also to friends, and nothing appeared unusual at the time.

She said the vessel had earlier traveled from China to ports in West Africa and was returning toward China via Singapore when the incident occurred. After that final call, the family was unable to reach him again. Days later, they were informed that he was missing from the ship.

Police Complaint Filed in Bhubaneswar

With no clear information forthcoming, the family filed a missing persons complaint on February 5 at the Sahidnagar police station in Bhubaneswar. The report formally requested assistance in tracing Sarthak’s whereabouts and determining the circumstances under which he disappeared.

Sarthak is a native of Kespur village in Bhadrak district. He had joined the private shipping company in July 2025 and was at an early stage of his maritime career. His disappearance has sent shockwaves through his family and local community.

Appeals Sent to National and State Authorities

In a bid to accelerate the search and ensure accountability, the family has written to the Odisha chief minister requesting immediate coordination with the central government. They have also reached out directly to the prime minister, the director general of shipping, and the ministry of external affairs through official emails and public messages on social media platform X.

Rashmita Mohapatra said the family is struggling with uncertainty and has urged authorities to treat the case with urgency. She has called for a transparent inquiry into what happened on board the vessel.

Demand for Transparency and Evidence Access

In her appeal, Sarthak’s mother requested access to CCTV footage from the ship, detailed information about her son’s personal belongings, and regular official updates from the investigating agencies. She emphasized the need for clarity and openness, stating that the family deserves to know how a young seafarer could disappear during active duty.

She also appealed for international coordination, if required, given the ship’s global route and foreign ports of call.

Government Takes Up Matter With Centre

Sources within the Odisha government confirmed that the issue has been formally taken up with concerned authorities in New Delhi. State officials have requested a detailed inquiry into the incident and are seeking cooperation from maritime regulators and the shipping company involved.

While no official conclusions have been released so far, the family hopes that sustained pressure and inter-agency coordination will help uncover the truth and bring Sarthak home safely.