A 22-year-old senior deck cadet from Uttarakhand, Karandeep Singh Rana, has gone missing from a merchant navy vessel sailing from Iraq to China, his family said on Friday.
The incident, which occurred around September 20, 2025, triggered a large-scale rescue operation and left his family and authorities deeply worried. Despite exhaustive search efforts, there is still no trace of him, raising concerns about maritime safety and the challenges faced by young seafarers on international routes.
According to his father, Narendra Rana, Karandeep last spoke to them on the morning of September 20, after which all contact was suddenly lost. Later, the family in Dehradun was informed by the shipping company, Executive Ship Management Pvt Ltd, that he had gone missing from the vessel MT Front Princess. At the time, the ship was traveling along the Sri Lanka–Singapore route, and a search involving Sri Lankan naval forces and helicopters continued for several days.
"The ship first went to Iraq and was later headed to China via Sri Lanka and Singapore. Karandeep reportedly disappeared somewhere on the Sri Lanka–Singapore route. He might be on the vessel, but we don't have complete information," Narendra Rana said.
The company confirmed that Karandeep was last seen on the ship and that a thorough search was carried out, but he could not be located. While they suspect he may have gone overboard, the probe is still underway. Meanwhile, the family has written to the Uttarakhand Chief Minister and lodged a request on the Prime Minister’s portal, seeking urgent help to trace their son.
Executive Ship Management Pvt Ltd said a 96-hour search operation had been conducted and that a full investigation would begin once the vessel reaches China. In an official statement, the company said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic loss of cadet Karandeep Singh Rana. It is suspected that he was lost overboard on the evening of September 20 while on the vessel Front Princess. The ship’s crew searched for him for four days, with help from Sri Lankan defence helicopters and other vessels. Unfortunately, Rana could not be found.”
The company added, "Our hearts go out to Karandeep's family and friends at this tragic hour, as well as his shipmates who worked hard searching for him. Tragic incidents like this are complex and speculation can cause additional distress to both the family and friends of Karandeep. We should be mindful of this until the investigation is complete."
Also Read: Uttarakhand to host Cherry Blossom-style flower festivals
Follow us
