Casualty News

OCEAN WINNER

Date
August 22, 2026

Type
Sinking / capsize following rapid list

Voyage
Paradip, India to Dalian, China

Reports have been received that the Panama-flagged bulk carrier OCEAN WINNER sank in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 240 nautical miles off the Odisha coast of India, after reportedly developing a rapid list. The vessel was carrying approximately 71,200 MT of iron ore fines.

It is understood that the vessel had 24 crew members on board, comprising 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals and one Bangladeshi national. Two Chinese crew members were rescued from a life raft shortly after the casualty. As of 27 August 2026, the remaining 22 crew members were still missing and search and rescue operations were continuing. An emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) and an empty lifeboat associated with the vessel have also been recovered.

Reports indicate that the vessel developed a list and sank within approximately eight to ten minutes. The cause of the casualty has not yet been established. Cargo liquefaction involving the iron ore fines has been raised as one possible cause, although this remains under investigation. A preliminary investigation has commenced, with a team from the Directorate General of Shipping reportedly examining the vessel and cargo records at Paradip.

The vessel’s last port of call before the accident was Paradip, India, from where she sailed with the iron ore fines reportedly destined for Dalian, China.

Given that the vessel has sunk, cargo interests are facing a total loss of the cargo on board. The circumstances may also give rise to complex issues concerning the condition and moisture content of the iron ore fines, cargo liquefaction, seaworthiness, causation and potential recovery against responsible parties.  

Dolphin Maritime has many years of experience dealing with marine cargo claims arising from vessel casualties, bulk cargo incidents and total losses. If you are the insurers of cargo on board this vessel and require assistance with any claims arising, then please do not hesitate to contact us.

We can assist with:

• Investigating the cause of the incident
• Recovery of losses on NO CURE NO PAY terms

Photography courtesy of MarineTraffic