Bhubaneswar, Feb 6: The Odisha government has launched urgent and coordinated efforts to locate merchant navy cadet Sarthak Mohapatra, who went missing from the EA Jersey vessel near Malaysian waters on February 3. The disappearance of the 23-year-old has sparked concern, prompting swift intervention at multiple administrative levels.
Principal Resident Commissioner Vishal Gagan has formally written to key central authorities seeking immediate assistance in the search and rescue mission. Communications have been sent to the Secretaries of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, External Affairs, and Home Affairs, along with the Director General of Shipping, urging diplomatic and maritime coordination.
Sarthak, a native of Bhadrak district, was working as a maritime cadet with Anglo-Eastern Ship Management. He was last seen entering his cabin aboard the vessel on February 3. A day earlier, he had spoken to his mother, Rashmita Mohapatra, through a video call. The exact circumstances of his disappearance remain unknown.
His mother has appealed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Odisha DGP Y.B. Khurania for urgent intervention. Search operations are currently underway, with authorities working alongside international maritime agencies to trace the missing cadet and ensure his safe return.
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