The Panamanian-flagged MV Ocean Winner ended in disaster after the vessel sank in the Bay of Bengal, about 240 nautical miles off the coast of the Indian state of Odisha. The ship was carrying 72,100 tonnes of fine iron ore from the port of Paradip to Singapore, leaving the Indian port in the late hours of August 20. The Indian news agency PTI (press trust of india) quoted by leading daily The Times of India (timesofindia.com), reported that there were a total of 24 crew members on board, mainly consisting of 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmarese sailors and one Bangladeshi.
Immediately after receiving the distress call, the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy sent rescue teams and helicopters to the area of the incident, and all nearby commercial vessels were diverted to provide assistance. Local police officials confirmed to the Indian news portal ThePrint (theprint.in) that two people have been successfully rescued from the stormy waters so far. The rescue operation continues in difficult conditions, and the reasons for the sudden sinking of the iron ore-laden vessel remain unclear.