Chinese Sailor Dies in Paradip Port Accident | Body Recovered After 48-Hour Search

Paradip, Odisha — A sombre mood enveloped Paradip Port on Sunday as the body of Zhang Tai, a Chinese sailor who fell into the sea during cargo operations, was recovered after an exhaustive 48-hour search.

Tai was aboard the cargo vessel Lucky Dragon, docked at the Paradip International Cargo Terminal (PICT) to unload pig iron, when he reportedly fell into the water while setting a ladder on Friday.

A Bangladeshi crew member attempted a rescue but was unable to save him.

The incident triggered a multi-agency search operation involving the Indian Coast Guard, NDRF, ODRAF, marine police, scuba divers, and CISF personnel.

On Sunday, local authorities spotted Tai’s body floating near the port and retrieved it.

“The body will be repatriated to China with assistance from the Ministry of Shipping,” confirmed Smruti Ranjan Kar, Additional Superintendent of Police, Paradip.

The Bangladeshi sailor who tried to rescue Tai was safely recovered. The tragedy has sparked renewed concerns over safety protocols during cargo handling at international ports.