Odisha Merchant Navy Cadet Missing Near Mauritius; Search and Investigation Underway

Sarthak Mahapatra, a 22-year-old merchant navy cadet from Odisha's Bhadrak district, has been missing since February 3 while aboard the vessel EA Jersey near Mauritius. The ship, managed by Anglo-Eastern Ship Management, was returning to China from West Africa via Singapore. Despite onboard and coordinated search efforts by the vessel crew and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Mauritius, no trace has been found. His family has appealed to central and state authorities for urgent intervention, requesting a transparent investigation and regular updates. Odisha officials have engaged with New Delhi authorities to support the search and inquiry.