"Cadet Sarthak Mohapatra joined Anglo-Eastern with a strong ambition to build a career as a seafarer. His mother and maternal uncle mentioned that he had chosen the Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA) as his first choice to start his sea career. Sarthak completed the AEMA DNS course in August 2023 and successfully completed two contracts on Anglo-Eastern vessels. He joined the vessel EA Jersey on 14th July 2025, with an initial tenure ending in January. However, he requested a two-month extension to complete his sea time for exams, which was granted.

Cadet Sarthak’s disappearance is heartbreaking for all of us. We have been in constant touch with family over the phone and giving them updated SAR operation report on regular basis.

Our Marine HR Director from Mumbai visited Bhubaneswar to meet with Sarthak’s family and provide them with the latest updates in person. Accompanied by two Masters of Anglo-Eastern, they met with the family on 5th February and shared information about the ongoing SAR operation, which has been continuing for over 65 hours under the supervision of MRCC Mauritius. During the visit, a call was made to the Master of the vessel, allowing Sarthak’s mother to speak with them. Upon her insistence, the call was switched to video mode, and the Master showed them the accommodation area and Sarthak’s cabin. At the family's insistence, a thorough search of the vessel was initiated on 5th February, including all accommodation spaces and empty containers. This search is still ongoing. Our Director reassured the family of our commitment to complete transparency and our availability to answer any queries they may have around the clock.

During AESM Director’s meeting with DG Shipping in his office, Cadet Sarthak’s maternal uncle also visited the DG Shipping office. AESM Director met him alongside Capt PC Meena and reassured him of our full support. He was provided h with the latest updates on the ongoing SAR operation. He expressed a desire to visit the ship in Singapore, and he was assured of full support by Anglo-Eastern in arranging the necessary permissions. Capt PC Meena advised him to start the application process for a Singapore visa.

Sarthak’s mother has been offered if she would like to visit the vessel at Singapore. A complete inquiry will be arranged at Singapore by MPA to investigate this matter and all relevant help and evidence will be provided to Singapore flag state during the investigation.

We are committed to doing everything we can to support Sarthak’s family during this difficult time and to continue our search efforts."