Merchant Navy Officer Goes Missing From China-Bound Ship Near Mauritius, Family Seeks Centre’s Help

Last Updated:February 06, 2026, 07:28 IST

Sarthak Mahapatra went missing near Mauritius while on duty. His family seeks urgent help from Odisha and central authorities for a transparent investigation.

A merchant navy officer from Odisha’s Bhadrak district has reportedly gone missing while on duty aboard a ship near Mauritius on February 3, leading his family to appeal to both the central and state governments for immediate assistance, officials said.

The missing crew member has been identified as Sarthak Mahapatra, a resident of Kespur village in Bhadrak. He has been employed with a private shipping firm since July 2025.

According to his mother, Rashmita Mahapatra, the vessel was on a return journey to China via Singapore after completing a voyage from China to West Africa. She said Sarthak last spoke with his family and friends on February 2, when the ship was close to Singapore, news agency PTI reported.

“When the ship was near Singapore on February 2, he spoke to me, other family members, and his friends," she said.

The family is deeply distressed by his sudden disappearance and has urged authorities to step in urgently.

“We are devastated at his disappearance and request the central and state governments to intervene urgently. We have sent emails appealing to the Odisha government to rescue my son and bring him back home safely," she told PTI.

She has also sought intervention from the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister of Odisha, the Director General of Shipping, and the Ministry of External Affairs by posting appeals on X.

In her message, she called for a clear and transparent inquiry into the incident, access to CCTV footage from the vessel, information regarding her son’s belongings, and regular updates from officials.

“As a mother, I request a transparent investigation, access to CCTV footage, details of his personal belongings and continuous official updates," she wrote.

Sources in the Odisha government said the matter has been raised with the relevant authorities in New Delhi, with a request for a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

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