The body of Zhang Tai, a Chinese sailor who went missing after falling into the sea at Paradip Port in Odisha on Friday, September 5, 2025, was recovered on Sunday, September 7, 2025. A search operation involving multiple agencies was launched after Tai fell into the water while attempting to set a ladder at the Paradip International Cargo Terminal (PICT).

The incident occurred as the vessel, MV Lucky Dragon, was preparing to leave the Paradip International Cargo Terminal after unloading cargo. According to reports, Tai slipped and fell into the sea while fixing a ladder. In a rescue attempt, a Bangladeshi colleague, Hussain Sharia, jumped into the water to save him. However, Sharia also began to struggle and was rescued by CISF jawans. Tai, unfortunately, could not be found. Sharia was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. He was later shifted to a private hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment.

A combined team consisting of the Coast Guard, NDRF, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, Odisha Marine Police, CISF, and scuba divers were involved in the search operation. Officials feared that strong currents may have swept the sailor's body into deeper waters. Paradip Port has an approach channel depth of 18.7 meters and an entrance channel depth of 17.1 meters, enabling it to handle large vessels. Sources indicated that the strong currents and depths of up to 14.5 meters at the berths made recovery efforts difficult.

Local police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether the sailor fell accidentally or was pushed. Port authorities have stated that they will take steps to further strengthen safety protocols.

The MV Lucky Dragon, a bulk carrier built in 1999 and sailing under the Panama flag, had entered Paradip on September 1 after unloading cargo. The vessel was carrying 25,000 tonnes of pig iron. The incident has raised concerns about crew safety during cargo handling operations at the port.