Indian Coast Guard launches rescue after MV Shakti sinks off Odisha coast

A rescue operation was launched by the Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday after a Panama‑flagged cargo bulk carrier, the *MV Shakti*, sank off the coast of Odisha in eastern India. The vessel, which was carrying a cargo of iron ore, went down at approximately 02:30 local time near the fishing village of Gopalpur, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence. Coast Guard personnel, assisted by the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries and local coastal police, are conducting search and rescue efforts amid rough seas and poor visibility.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has been the country’s primary maritime law‑enforcement and search‑and‑rescue agency since its formal establishment under the Coast Guard Act of 1978. With jurisdiction over India’s territorial waters, its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone, the ICG is tasked with safeguarding maritime resources, enforcing maritime law, and responding to emergencies at sea. It operates under the Ministry of Defence and works closely with the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Revenue (Customs) and the Central Armed Police Forces, as well as state police coastal units, to maintain maritime security and safety.

The *Shakti* was reported to have been traveling at a speed of 12 knots when it struck a submerged rock formation in the eastern Arabian Sea. Initial reports indicate that the vessel suffered a breach in the hull that led to progressive flooding. The crew of 18 was able to evacuate in lifeboats, but several members remain unaccounted for. The ICG’s rescue teams, deployed from the nearest Coast Guard station in Gopalpur, are conducting night‑time search operations and coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force for potential evacuation of survivors. The Indian Navy has dispatched a helicopter to provide aerial surveillance and support the rescue teams on the ground.

Incidents like this underscore the vulnerability of maritime transport in the Indian Ocean, a critical corridor for international trade. Rough seas, hidden hazards, and aging vessels can all contribute to accidents that disrupt shipping schedules and pose environmental risks. For countries such as Taiwan, whose economy depends heavily on global supply chains—including the semiconductor sector—maintaining safe and reliable sea lanes is essential. Taiwan’s largest exporters and importers rely on shipping routes that pass through the Indian Ocean to reach markets in Southeast Asia, Australia and the Middle East. A sinking in this region can ripple through freight rates, insurance premiums and the timing of deliveries for critical components.

The incident also highlights the importance of international cooperation in maritime safety. Panama‑flagged vessels, often part of the world’s largest merchant fleet, are subject to international maritime conventions, but the day‑to‑day safety of their operations is largely managed by the flag state and the port authorities at their destination. In this case, the Indian Coast Guard’s swift response and coordination with naval and civilian agencies demonstrate the effectiveness of India’s maritime command structure. Continued vigilance and investment in surveillance and rapid‑response capabilities are therefore vital to mitigate future incidents, ensuring the smooth flow of goods that underpin the global economy and the regional stability of the Indo‑Pacific.