The sudden vanishing of Odisha’s merchant navy cadet Sarthak Mahapatra has sparked widespread alarm, reaching the corridors of power where former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has demanded swift action from New Delhi. As the Leader of Opposition and BJD president, Patnaik labeled the case grave, pressing the Directorate General of Shipping and Foreign Ministry to ramp up rescue operations.
Posting on X, Patnaik shared his anguish: ‘The disappearance of Cadet Sarthak Mahapatra from Odisha is extremely worrying. My sympathies are with the family. I urge DG Shipping and MEA to coordinate and intensify efforts to find him safely.’
Details emerged of the 23-year-old Bhadrak resident’s last hours. Assigned to ‘EA Jersey’ since mid-July 2025, Sarthak was last heard from late February 2, chatting casually with family. On February 3 morning, post-duty, he entered his cabin at 6:15 AM and was never seen again. Ship searches yielded nothing, triggering a maritime hunt with international support.
Frustrated by the lack of transparency—no videos, no evidence shared—the family awaits answers. Mother Rassmita Sahu, working in Bhubaneswar healthcare, has turned to social media and leaders like PM Modi for aid, her pleas echoing the desperation of a parent in crisis.
This incident underscores vulnerabilities in merchant shipping, where young cadets like Sarthak train amid vast oceans. Patnaik’s intervention brings political weight, potentially accelerating probes. While search teams scour waters between Mauritius and Singapore, Odisha holds its breath for good news, praying for the safe return of one of its promising sons.
