Bhubaneswar, February 6: A merchant navy officer from Odisha has mysteriously gone missing while stationed on a ship near Mauritius, raising deep concerns among his family and friends. The missing officer has been identified as Sarthak Mahapatra. His family has urgently appealed to both the central and state governments for immediate intervention to ensure his safe return and uncover the truth behind his disappearance.
Sarthak’s mother shared that she received a call around 7:30 PM on February 2. The ship’s captain, Debashish Patnaik, visited their home the following day to inform them that Sarthak was missing. According to her, the captain stated that Sarthak had gone to his room at 6:10 AM, and when called for breakfast at 8 AM, he was not there. However, she questioned this claim, noting that typically, meals are served in the crew’s quarters if someone is unwell.
She also mentioned that on the night of February 2, Sarthak had spoken to family members and appeared completely normal and happy. During their conversations, he showed no signs of stress and was always cheerful when connecting with childhood friends over video calls.
Sarthak’s friend, Shashwat Mahalick, has also raised concerns regarding the ship company’s role in this incident. He stated that the information provided so far has been limited to Sarthak being “missing.” The family and friends are seeking detailed updates from the shipping company, but cooperation has been lacking. Shashwat noted that the company’s statements have been inconsistent, further deepening their suspicions. He mentioned that the family is in contact with the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and the Ministry of External Affairs, continuously pressing for clear information.
Shashwat also highlighted that a local MP has been very supportive, providing detailed information to the Ministry of External Affairs about the situation. The Chief Minister’s office has also reached out to the family, offering some hope.
Sarthak was recruited by Anglo Eastern Company, and the family received the first official letter from the company on February 3. They have been persistently requesting access to CCTV and VDR data, but the company claims this data cannot be retrieved until the ship docks. Shashwat expressed that these circumstances raise numerous questions and doubts.
He further explained that an email was sent on Wednesday, stating that Sarthak was seen on camera leaving his room, but this does not clarify what happened next. The family and friends remain hopeful for his safe return and are demanding a fair and thorough investigation from the government to uncover the truth and locate Sarthak.
The 23-year-old Sarthak Mahapatra hails from Bhadrak district in Odisha and was working as a deck cadet in the merchant navy. He was stationed on a vessel named ‘E.A. Jersey,’ operated by Anglo Eastern Ship Management. Reports indicate that he went missing while the ship was at sea, en route from Mauritius to Singapore.
According to the family, Sarthak joined the ship as a deck cadet on July 14, 2025. On February 3, 2026, the company informed the family that Sarthak was no longer on board and that a search was underway.
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