Sailor Missing from Ship at Alang Ship Breaking Yard: Investigation Underway
A ship MT Athina I sailor, which arrived from Oman for dismantling at the Alang Ship Breaking Yard, has gone missing under mysterious circumstances. On Friday, teams from the Local Crime Branch (LCB) and Special Operations Group (SOG) boarded the vessel to investigate, raising concerns over the sailor’s whereabouts.
The missing sailor, identified as 22-year-old Yash Deore, hails from Deur village in Dhule, Maharashtra. He joined the Merchant Navy last year and was employed as an “Ordinary Seaman (OS)” with Swaraj Marines Private Limited, based in Thane. Yash’s family last heard from him on January 28, and just two days later, they received distressing news from the company. According to Yash’s father, the family was informed that “a man had fallen into the sea from the ship.”
The sudden and vague information prompted the family to take immediate action. Yash’s elder brother, Nayan Deore, who works in a private company in Pune, rushed to Thane to seek answers from the company officials. However, he reportedly did not receive a satisfactory explanation regarding his brother’s disappearance. “I met the company officials, but they did not provide clear information. I then approached the Directorate General of Shipping (DG) in Mumbai, who directed the company to share complete details about my brother,” Nayan stated.
Amid the confusion, Nayan filed a formal complaint at the Naupada police station in Thane, urging authorities to help locate his brother. The complaint detailed that Yash was posted on the MT Athina I, which was en route from Oman to Alang, India. Following this, the authorities intensified their probe.
On Thursday, the MT Athina I reached the sea off Alang, and investigative teams from the LCB and SOG were immediately deployed to the ship. The teams conducted a thorough inspection of the vessel and recorded statements from the crew members, including the Chief Engineer. However, officials have yet to disclose any findings from the preliminary investigation.
The circumstances surrounding Yash’s disappearance remain unclear. While the company suggested an accidental fall into the sea, the family is seeking a deeper investigation, suspecting foul play. “We need answers. How could someone just disappear from a ship without any trace?” questioned Nayan.
Authorities are now exploring all possible angles, including the possibility of an accident, negligence, or a criminal act. Maritime safety protocols and crew management on board the ship are also under scrutiny.
The Alang Ship Breaking Yard, known as the world’s largest ship recycling facility, witnesses numerous vessels arriving for dismantling each year. However, such incidents are rare and have raised concerns among maritime professionals and local authorities.
As the investigation progresses, Yash’s family hopes for a clear and transparent inquiry to understand the truth behind his disappearance. The Directorate General of Shipping has assured cooperation with law enforcement agencies to expedite the process.
The incident has cast a shadow over the maritime industry’s safety standards and underscores the need for stringent measures to ensure the well-being of sailors on high seas.
