NEW DELHI: Indian authorities have launched a major search-and-rescue operation after a Panama-flagged bulk carrier sank in the Bay of Bengal off the country’s eastern coast, leaving most of its 24-member crew unaccounted for.

The vessel, Ocean Winner, was carrying iron ore when communication with the ship was lost, according to the Indian Coast Guard. The crew included 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals, and one Bangladeshi citizen.

The Indian Coast Guard has so far rescued two crew members from life rafts and deployed vessels to search the surrounding waters for the remaining seafarers. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard are also involved in the ongoing operation, while a nearby commercial vessel has been asked to assist with the search.

The cargo ship sank approximately 276 miles (444 kilometers) from the coast of Paradip in Odisha while transporting iron ore from Paradip Port to China. Authorities received a distress alert before contact with the vessel was lost.

The cause of the sinking has not yet been established. Rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate the missing crew members as difficult offshore conditions add to the challenge.

Officials are closely monitoring the operation, with the priority remaining the safe recovery of those still missing.