A cargo ship MV Bingo is believed to have sunk in the rough seas caused by cyclonic storm Phailin with its crew on a lifeboat last sighted east of Sagar in West Bengal, a top Kolkata Port Trust official said today.
“The Panama-registered cargo ship MV Bingo is feared sunk as the crew was sighted on a lifeboat yesterday east of Sagar, 25 km from the coast,” KPT Chairman R.P.S. Kahlon told PTI here.
The bulk cargo carrier carrying 8,000 tonnes of iron ore left for China from Sagar anchorage on October 11.
It may possibly have tried to sail back to port following damage sustained on the rough seas, he said.
Kahlon said a Dornier aircraft and hovercraft belonging to the Coast Guard were searching for the ship which sailed with 19 Chinese and one Indonesian crew member on board.
It could not be immediately confirmed whether MV Bingo, built in 2004—05, had sunk since there was no official communication with the crew, who Kahlon hoped were safe.
According to international practice, ships are advised to stay in the open seas instead of inside harbours to avoid damage during storms.