DG Shipping urges world body to help locate MV Rezzak India has sought help from the International Maritime Organisation in locating M V Rezzak, a cargo vessel which went missing mysteriously in the Black Sea with 25 Indian sailors on board four months ago, forcing the global shipping body to urge the countries involved in the case to work together urgently.

The Panama registered vessel was on its way from Novorossiisk in Russia to Bartin Limani in Turkey when it was reported missing on February 18, about 120 nautical miles from the Turkish coast. Investigations found that the ship may also not have been sea-worthy while authorities have not ruled out piracy and insurance fraud. The Ministry of Shipping has sought Interpol's help to know its fate. A preliminary investigation report submitted at the end of April had said that the vessel loaded with steel billets underestimated the poor weather conditions when it was reported to have gone missing and also possibly ignored the advice of another ship nearby to seek shelter.

The IMO's appeal came after the Director-General of Shipping (DGS) urged the world body at a meeting in London last week to help locate the vessel and to establish the fate of the 25 Indian crew members. India urged the IMO and its members to "initiate all necessary measures, including underwater search and survey, with the co-operation of the international community, to locate the ship,"she said.