PARADIP: A high-level inquiry has begun into the mysterious sinking of Panama-flagged bulk carrier MV Ocean Winner, even as the five-day search for the vessel and its 22 missing crew members has brought no breakthrough.
A team from the Directorate General of Shipping, Kolkata, comprising a senior official and two surveyors from the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), has arrived in Paradip to investigate the circumstances leading to the vessel’s disappearance shortly after it left Paradip Port.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) vessel Varad, deployed in the search and rescue (SAR) operation, is scheduled to return to Paradip after completing the search. ICG vessel Viswat and two Chinese vessels remain engaged in the operation. No survivor or significant wreckage has been located so far.
Officials suspect the nearly 28-year-old vessel may have sunk to considerable depth because of its size and weight, making underwater detection difficult.
The inquiry assumes significance amid questions over the vessel’s cargo and stability. MV Ocean Winner had arrived at Paradip with around 69,299 tonne of sulphur from the UAE for unloading at Paradip Phosphates Ltd. After unloading, it reportedly loaded around 72,200 tonne of iron ore before departing, against a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of about 72,928 tonne. Its net tonnage (NRT) was 25,379 and gross tonnage (GRT) 39,755.
Investigators are expected to examine the vessel’s actual draft, stability calculations, loading records, moisture certificates, hatch-cover conditions and voyage data recorder to establish the sequence of events.
One possibility being examined is liquefaction of iron ore fines. Excessive moisture can cause certain bulk cargoes to behave like a liquid, resulting in sudden cargo movement and loss of stability.
A Paradip Port employee associated with cargo loading activities said it must be verified if monitoring of the vessel’s draft before departure was taken up in a proper manner. A video purportedly showing the loading of wet iron ore during rainfall has surfaced.
Paradip Port Authority deputy conservator Alekh Sahoo did not respond to requests for clarification.