The Chinese-owned bulk carrier Ocean Winner reportedly capsized and sank in the Bay of Bengal, leaving 22 crew members missing as of August 24. Two Chinese crew members have been rescued.

According to overseas media reports, the vessel departed Paradip Port in eastern India late on August 20, carrying 71,200 tonnes of iron ore. It was scheduled to call at Singapore on August 27 before sailing to China.

Reuters quoted India’s Directorate General of Shipping as saying the vessel capsized on August 21 and sank within eight minutes. There were 24 crew members on board, including 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals and one Bangladeshi national.

Indian search aircraft located a liferaft on August 22, and a nearby merchant vessel rescued two Chinese crew members. Search and rescue operations are continuing, with Indian Coast Guard vessels involved.

The Ocean Winner was built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in 1998 and flew the Panama flag. Its registered owner, commercial manager and safety manager are listed as Ocean Winner Shipping Co Ltd, based in Fuzhou, China.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Industry observers suggested that iron ore liquefaction, severe sea conditions and the vessel’s age may have contributed to the incident.