Authorities in Odisha on Sunday recovered the body of a Chinese sailor who had gone missing from a vessel docked at Paradip Port. The sailor was reported missing late Saturday, prompting an extensive search operation involving the Coast Guard, port authorities, and local police.

According to officials, the body was spotted floating near the port area and was later retrieved with the help of rescue teams. The sailor, whose identity has not been disclosed, was part of the crew of a foreign vessel anchored at the port for cargo operations.

Port authorities immediately informed the Chinese consulate and higher maritime officials about the development. The body has been sent for postmortem to ascertain the exact cause of death. Preliminary findings suggest accidental drowning, though officials have not ruled out other possibilities.

Police said a case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to the sailor’s disappearance. The incident has raised concerns among port workers and shipping companies, highlighting the need for strict safety protocols for international crew members during port calls.

Local authorities assured that all necessary procedures, including diplomatic communication, would be followed before handing over the body to the concerned authorities.

The incident marks the second maritime tragedy reported at Paradip in recent months, adding pressure on officials to strengthen safety and monitoring measures in the busy port zone.