Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Minister Says Iron Ore Transit Was Legal After Vessel Sank
A ship carrying iron ore from Odisha sank in the Bay of Bengal.
The ship was called MV Ocean Winner.
It had 24 crew members from China, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Two Chinese crew members were rescued and are receiving medical care.
Officials said they had no information about the other 22 sailors.
The ship was carrying 72,000 tonnes of iron ore.
The Odisha government said the shipment was legal and that an inquiry was underway.
The opposition asked for an independent investigation.
Rescue teams from the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy continued searching at sea.
Odisha Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said all documents for the iron ore shipment were valid.
The Panama-flagged MV Ocean Winner sank about 240 kilometers from Paradip with 24 crew members aboard.
Two Chinese crew members were rescued and taken for medical treatment, while the remaining 22 sailors were unaccounted for.
The vessel was carrying 72,000 tonnes of iron ore, below its stated 73,000-tonne capacity.
Opposition BJD leader Pritiranjan Gharai called for an independent inquiry into the shipment and sinking.
- Who
- The Odisha government, Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, opposition BJD leader Pritiranjan Gharai, and the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy were involved. The ship carried 24 crew members.
- What
- The Panama-flagged MV Ocean Winner sank while transporting iron ore from Paradip Port; two crew members were rescued and 22 remained unaccounted for.
- When
- The vessel sank on Saturday; the opposition sought clarification on Sunday, and the minister responded on Monday.
- Where
- The vessel sank in the Bay of Bengal, about 240 kilometers from Paradip off the Odisha coast.
- Why
- The government said the iron ore shipment was legal, while the opposition demanded an independent inquiry into the cargo and the circumstances of the sinking.
Government Position
Opposition Position
Legality of shipment
Government Position
Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said all documents for dispatching the minerals were available and that the transportation was legal.
Opposition Position
The BJD sought clarification on whether the iron ore transport was legal and questioned the shipment's ownership, value, quantity and destination.
Investigation
Government Position
The Odisha government said an inquiry into the vessel's accident was underway.
Opposition Position
BJD leader Pritiranjan Gharai demanded an independent and impartial inquiry into the iron ore shipment and the sinking.
Rescue situation
Government Position
Officials reported that two crew members had been rescued and said there was no information about any deaths.
Opposition Position
The opposition focused on the need for answers about the incident and the fate of the remaining crew members.
- Vessel
- MV Ocean Winner, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier
- Cargo
- 72,000 tonnes of iron ore
- Cargo capacity
- 73,000 tonnes
- Crew
- 24 people: 20 Chinese, three Myanmarese and one Bangladeshi
- Rescued
- Two Chinese crew members
- Location
- About 240 kilometers from Paradip, off Odisha's coast
- Response
- The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy continued rescue and search operations