<p data-path-to-node="0">&nbsp;A major search and rescue operation has been mobilized in the Bay of Bengal after a <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="115">dry bulk carrier laden with iron ore cargo capsized and sank off the coast of Odisha</b>, leaving <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="209">22 crew members missing</b> at sea.</p><p data-path-to-node="6">The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in close coordination with the Indian Navy and Paradip Port Authority, launched an intensive multi-agency air and maritime rescue mission, deploying offshore patrol vessels, specialized helicopters, and maritime reconnaissance aircraft to scour the casualty zone for survivors amidst challenging offshore conditions.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="8">Key Operational Highlights &amp; Emergency Maritime Response</h3><ul data-path-to-node="9"><li><p data-path-to-node="9,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Vessel Capsizing Incident:</b> The bulk carrier, which had loaded an export-bound consignment of iron ore fines/pellets, reported severe structural distress and rapid water ingress before sinking in deep waters off the Odisha seaboard.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="9,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Massive Search and Rescue (SAR) Deployment:</b> The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) activated emergency response protocols, vectoring multiple Coast Guard vessels, naval interceptor craft, and airborne assets equipped with infrared tracking and life-saving equipment to the incident coordinates.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="9,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Commercial Vessel Assistance Diverted:</b> Navigational warnings (NAVAREA) were broadcast across the Bay of Bengal, prompting international merchant ships and commercial vessels transiting nearby maritime corridors to alter course and assist in visual SAR lookouts.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="9,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Focus on Liquefaction and Bulk Safety Protocols:</b> Maritime safety specialists and regulatory authorities are monitoring potential root causes, including the risk of cargo liquefaction a known operational hazard associated with the carriage of moisture-sensitive iron ore fines in rough sea states.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="9,4,0"><b data-path-to-node="9,4,0" data-index-in-node="0">Environmental &amp; Navigational Monitoring:</b> Coast Guard environmental and pollution response teams are continuously surveying the sinking perimeter to assess and mitigate potential bunker oil spill risks and ensure safe transit for nearby commercial vessel traffic heading into Paradip and Dhamra ports.</p></li></ul>