Ea-Jersey

Rasmita Mohapatra, the mother of the missing Indian merchant navy cadet Sarthak Mohapatra, 23, arrived in Singapore along with an uncle on Feb 15, after the 'EA Jersey' on which he had been serving, had docked there, amid continuing efforts to trace him after he disappeared on board. The ship complied with all procedures required by investigating authorities, including representatives from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, India’s Directorate General of Shipping, and the Indian High Commission after the arrival. The relatives were able to board the vessel with assistance from the Indian High Commission and the Director General of Shipping (DGS), in line with safety and investigative protocols. They were permitted to access the cadet’s cabin Sarthak was last seen on the morning of Feb 3, when leaving his cabin dressed in formal clothes. Following reports of his disappearance, the MRCC Mauritius conducted aerial search operations near the Mauritius coast, where the vessel had been sailing.With the ship alongside in Singapore, the authorities intensified inspection and search procedures. The vessel had already been searched by crew members after Mohapatra was reported missing. His family was now seeking access to CCTV recordings and other technical evidence from the period when he was last seen in order to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. The family has called for transparency and an independent investigation, along with full access to all technical records related to the vessel. Earlier, they had met the Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to request his intervention. Mohapatra had last spoken to his motther on Feb 2, and the family had not received any information about his whereabouts since then. The 'EA Jersey' was cleared to sail and left Singapore again the same day en route to Shanghai with an ETA as of Feb 21. The company Anglo-Eastern continued to cooperate with authorities and remained in contact with the cadet’s family as investigations proceeded. The mother and the uncle returned to Bhubaneswar on Feb 17, demanding a criminal investigation into the case.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, has initiated immediate and coordinated action following the reported missing of Sarthak Mohapatra, an Indian seafarer (Rank: Cadet), from the 'EA Jersey', enroute from Tema to Singapore, on Feb 3, 2026. Mohapatra was last seen onboard the vessel in the early hours of that day. The matter has been formally taken up with the Flag State Administration of Singapore, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Mauritius (MRCC Mauritius), the vessel’s P&I Club, concerned Indian authorities, and the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) to ensure coordinated search, rescue, and investigation efforts. SAR operations were being conducted under the coordination of MRCC Mauritius, with the assistance of two to three vessels operating in the vicinity. The Next of Kin (NOK) of the missing seafarer has been informed. The case is being reviewed on a continuous basis through the Directorate’s crisis management framework, and all developments were being closely monitored. The Directorate General of Shipping has also initiated steps for a fact-finding investigation by the competent authorities and ensured that all contractual and legal obligations, including welfare assistance, were addressed in accordance with applicable laws, international conventions, and agreements. The Government of Odisha has taken up the matter at the highest level following an urgent appeal from the family of the missing seafarer and has formally requested expeditious action. Acting on this, the Directorate has further intensified coordination with all concerned stakeholders. The Recruitment and Placement Service Licensee has been directed to extend all possible support and assistance to the family of Sarthak Mohapatra.

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