Bulk carrier Ocean Winner sinks off the coast of India

On August 22, 2026, the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Ocean Winner sank in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 240 nautical miles off the coast of Paradip, India. The Indian Coast Guard reported losing contact with the vessel shortly before it disappeared. At the time of the incident, the ship was transporting a cargo of iron ore.

The vessel carried a total crew of 24, including 20 Chinese nationals, three citizens of Myanmar, and one citizen of Bangladesh. Following the sinking, two crew members were successfully rescued from life rafts by the Indian Coast Guard. The causes of the sinking remain unknown at this time.

A large-scale search and rescue operation is currently underway involving the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy. Authorities have also requested assistance from merchant vessels transiting the area to locate the remaining 22 missing crew members. The investigation into the circumstances of the disaster continues as search efforts cover a wide maritime area.