The Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, expressed worries about a merchant navy cadet from Odisha who disappeared in the Pacific Ocean. Sarthak Mohapatra, a 23-year-old deck cadet from Bhadrak district, went missing from the merchant vessel ‘EA Jersey’ while at sea. Patnaik urged the Directorate General of Shipping and the Ministry of External Affairs to assist in the search efforts.
Sarthak joined the vessel on July 14, 2025, and was reported missing on February 3, 2026, while the ship was en route from Mauritius to Singapore. He was last in contact with his family on February 2, raising concerns about his sudden disappearance. The family was informed that Sarthak left his duty around 6.00 a.m. and was last seen entering his cabin at 6.15 a.m. on February 3.
The search for Sarthak is being coordinated with maritime authorities, including the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mauritius. Despite ongoing search efforts, detailed information on the circumstances of his disappearance has not been provided to the family. Sarthak’s mother, Rasmita Sahoo, has reached out to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, PM Narendra Modi, and the Ministry of External Affairs for assistance in finding her missing son.
