Bhubaneswar: A shocking and mysterious incident has surfaced involving a young Merchant Navy cadet from Odisha, who has reportedly gone missing under unclear circumstances from a ship stationed near Mauritius. The disappearance of 23-year-old Sarthak Mohapatra, a resident of Bhadrak district, has triggered serious concern not only among his family and friends but also in political circles.
The case has now gained statewide attention, with Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik urging the Central Government to intervene immediately and ensure the cadet’s safe return.
Disappearance Raises Alarming Questions
According to the family, Sarthak was serving as a Deck Cadet on the vessel named “EA Jersey”, which is operated by the Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Company. The ship was reportedly travelling from Mauritius to Singapore when the incident occurred.
The family received official information on 3 February 2026 that Sarthak was missing from the ship and that a search operation had been initiated.
However, the lack of clear answers has raised suspicion, and the mystery surrounding his disappearance continues to deepen.
What Happened on 2 February?
Sarthak’s mother, Rasmita Mohapatra, revealed that she received a phone call around 7:30 PM on 2 February. She also stated that the ship’s captain, Devashish Patnaik, personally visited their home and informed them the next day that Sarthak was missing.
As per the captain’s version, Sarthak went to his room at 6:10 AM, and when he was called for breakfast around 8 AM, he did not respond.
However, the mother questioned this statement, saying that in the Merchant Navy, breakfast is generally not taken in a common room, and if a crew member is unwell, food is usually delivered to their cabin.
Adding to the confusion, she said Sarthak spoke to the family on the night of 2 February and appeared completely normal and cheerful, showing no signs of stress or depression.
Family and Friends Question Ship Company’s Role
Sarthak’s close friend Shashwat Mahalik has expressed doubts about the ship company’s handling of the matter. He claimed that the company has provided only limited information and has not been cooperative.
According to him, the company’s statements have been changing repeatedly, which has increased suspicion.
The family has demanded access to:
- CCTV footage
- Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) records
- Detailed incident reports
However, the company has reportedly stated that such data cannot be retrieved until the ship reaches a dock.
The family believes this delay is preventing transparency and raising serious concerns about what actually happened onboard.
Last CCTV Sighting Still Not Enough
The family received an email stating that Sarthak was seen leaving his room on camera. But no further footage or explanation has been provided to clarify what happened after that moment.
As a result, the family continues to seek an impartial investigation and has appealed for urgent intervention from higher authorities.
Search Operation Underway
The ship company has stated that Sarthak’s duty hours were usually between 4 AM and 8 AM. They claim he left duty around 6 AM and was last seen entering his cabin at approximately 6:15 AM.
When he could not be located, the crew conducted an internal search, following which a sea search operation was launched.
The search is reportedly being carried out with coordination from the Mauritius Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and other concerned maritime agencies.
Who is Sarthak Mohapatra?
Sarthak Mohapatra is a 23-year-old Deck Cadet from Bhadrak district, Odisha. He joined the ship “EA Jersey” on 14 July 2025 after being recruited by Anglo-Eastern.
His mother, Rasmita Sahu, works at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar and has been emotionally devastated since the incident. She has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure her son’s safe return.
Political Leaders Demand Immediate Action
Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik called the incident “deeply worrying” and extended his support to the family.
He urged the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) and the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with concerned agencies and intensify efforts to locate the missing cadet.
Mystery Still Unresolved
Despite official statements and search operations, the family claims they have not been given any clear explanation regarding:
- How Sarthak disappeared
- Whether foul play was involved
- Why CCTV and VDR data are not being shared
- What actions were taken immediately after he went missing
With unanswered questions piling up, the case has become a matter of serious concern, and the family continues to hope for Sarthak’s safe return.
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