Odisha Govt To Launch Probe Into Sinking Of ‘Black Rose’ Ship Off Paradip Coast

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will soon start the process for investigation into the sinking of ‘Black Rose’ cargo ship off Paradip port in Jagatsinghpur district in 2009.

This was stated by BJP MLA Padmalochan Panda while speaking to the media persons on Monday. He said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was holding discussion with the departments for initiating the probe.

Panda further said the investigation would reveal several unanswered questions about the ship including who had imported the goods carried by it, whether it had necessary document or not and were there any illegal activities in it.

The MLA further said his party still believed the previous BJD government deliberately sidelined the investigation into the incident as there was some foul play involving high-profile personalities. Earlier, the BJP had demanded CBI probe into the matter.

It may be noted that the Mongolian vessel MV Black Rose, carrying 23,847 ton of iron ore and 920 ton of furnace oil to China had sunk off Paradip port under mysterious circumstances on September 9, 2009. While 26 of its 27 crew members were rescued, the chief engineer had died in the incident.