Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Experts investigate sinking of MV Ocean Winner after rescue
A large cargo ship called MV Ocean Winner sank in the Bay of Bengal.
It was carrying iron ore from India to Singapore.
There were 24 crew members on board, but only two have been rescued so far.
The rescued sailors are confused and cannot yet explain what happened.
Search teams are looking for the other crew members.
Planes and ships found three life rafts and an empty lifeboat.
Experts think the wet iron ore may have turned into a heavy, moving mud.
They are also considering whether the cargo shifted inside the ship.
Officials are still investigating and continuing the search.
Two Chinese survivors were rescued, but remain too traumatized to explain the sinking or the fate of 22 colleagues.
MV Ocean Winner lost communication on August 22 about 230 nautical miles southeast of Paradip.
The Panama-flagged bulk carrier was carrying 71,000 tonnes of iron ore from Paradip to Singapore.
Search teams found three drifting life rafts, rescued two sailors, and later located an empty lifeboat near Odisha.
Maritime experts are examining whether shifting cargo or moisture-laden iron ore caused the vessel to list and sink.
- Who
- The 24-member crew included 20 Chinese sailors, three Myanmarese sailors and one Bangladeshi sailor; two Chinese crew members survived.
- What
- The bulk carrier MV Ocean Winner sank, and authorities are searching for the 22 missing crew members.
- When
- The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received the loss-of-communication report on August 22; two survivors were rescued that day and brought to Paradip on Thursday.
- Where
- The vessel sank or went missing in the Bay of Bengal, about 230 nautical miles southeast of Paradip, Odisha.
- Why
- The cause is unknown; experts are examining cargo shifting, moisture-related slushing of the iron ore and possible water ingress.
Cargo-related sinking theory
Unresolved circumstances
Possible cause
Cargo-related sinking theory
Mariners and a Directorate General of Shipping official said shifting cargo or iron ore retaining moisture and turning to slush could have made the ship list and take in water.
Unresolved circumstances
The cause has not been established because the survivors could not describe the sequence of events and the investigation is continuing.
Abandonment questions
Cargo-related sinking theory
Mariners said a dangerous cargo shift normally develops over time, giving the crew an opportunity to abandon the vessel.
Unresolved circumstances
Experts found it unusual that lifeboats were discovered empty and questioned how several boats and rafts were launched if most crew members did not escape.
Weather conditions
Cargo-related sinking theory
A Directorate General of Shipping official said the weather was not severe enough by itself to sink a vessel of that size.
Unresolved circumstances
Heavy rain before loading and after the voyage began may nevertheless have increased moisture in the iron ore, according to the official.
- Vessel
- MV Ocean Winner, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier
- Cargo
- 71,000 tonnes of iron ore
- Crew
- 24 people: 20 Chinese, three Myanmarese and one Bangladeshi
- Last known location
- About 230 nautical miles southeast of Paradip
- Survivors
- Pan Tonglai and Chen Jianhe
- Rescue assets
- Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy ships and aircraft, with assistance from MT Aispos and MT Mol Azure
- Search findings
- Three drifting life rafts and an empty lifeboat were located