A major search and rescue operation is underway in the Bay of Bengal after the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Ocean Winner sank, leaving 22 seafarers missing. The vessel was carrying 24 crew members, including 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals, and one Bangladeshi national, when it went down approximately 230 nautical miles southeast of Paradip.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The Indian Coast Guard launched the search on August 22 after receiving a distress alert and losing contact with the vessel. A distress message broadcast through the International Safety Net prompted vessels in the area to divert to the scene, with the tanker Aisopos rescuing two survivors from life rafts. The Indian Coast Guard has deployed three ships to continue searching for the remaining 22 crew members.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation has called on Panama, the vessel’s flag state, to urgently investigate the sinking. The incident has renewed attention on the risks posed by cargo liquefaction aboard bulk carriers, although there has been no official determination of what caused the Ocean Winner to sink.
Industry Safety Record
Despite the risks, the industry's overall safety record has improved significantly, with the rolling 10-year average of annual bulk carrier losses continuing to decline. However, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, INTERCARGO, has warned that cargo liquefaction remains the deadliest hazard facing the bulk carrier sector, accounting for 37 seafarer deaths between 2016 and 2025.
For the families of the Ocean Winner crew, attention remains focused on the ongoing search for the 22 missing seafarers. The incident is a reminder of the complex risk environment faced by the shipping industry, which extends beyond traditional operational hazards.
Cover image: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
As Editor in Chief of The Maritime, I lead content development, interviews, and digital storytelling across our multimedia maritime platform. With over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, I create and publish in-depth stories and video features that highlight key players, emerging trends, and operational realities across global shipping. Before launching The Maritime, I worked as a Vessel Operator at Imza Marine A.S., gaining hands-on commercial shipping and voyage operations experience. I also served as Marketing Communications Specialist at Gimas Ship Supply & Services, where I managed corporate communication, digital strategy, and industry outreach for shipowners and maritime clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Maritime Transportation Management from Istanbul Technical University and a Master’s degree in Publishing from Marmara University. My work is driven by the belief that the maritime world deserves strong, informed, and accessible media representation. I am committed to sharing the stories of maritime professionals and contributing to the sector’s visibility, knowledge exchange, and future development.
