A merchant navy official from Odisha's Bhadrak district, Sarthak Mahapatra, has reportedly gone missing while on duty near Mauritius since February 3. Mahapatra, who hails from Kespur and has worked with a private shipping firm since July 2025, was aboard a vessel sailing from China to West Africa and returning via Singapore. His mother, Rashmita Mahapatra, said, "Sarthak spoke to me and other family members and friends on February 2." She expressed deep concern and pleaded for urgent government intervention. "We are devastated at his disappearance and request the Central and State governments to intervene urgently. We have sent emails appealing to the Odisha Government to rescue my son and bring him back home safely," she added. Rashmita also appealed directly to the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Director General of Shipping, and the Ministry of External Affairs through posts on X. She stated, "As a mother, I request a transparent investigation, access to CCTV footage, details of his personal belongings and continuous official updates." Officials in the Odisha Government have contacted the concerned authorities in New Delhi and requested a full inquiry into the incident. The search and investigation continue as the family awaits updates.