MSC Elsa-3 fallout: HC detains sister vessel in Rs 9 Cr compensation case
The Kerala High Court on Monday, July 7, ordered the conditional arrest of the cargo vessel MSC AKITETA II, the sister ship of MSC Elsa-3, in connection with a Rs 9,531 crore compensation suit filed by the state government. The case stems from the sinking of MSC Elsa-3, which was involved in an accident in the Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast on May 25. The accident resulted in containers carrying hazardous substances falling into the sea, causing significant environmental damage along the coast.Justice MA Abdul Hakhim issued an interim order stating that Vizhinjam Seaport may enforce the warrant and carry out the arrest, as the vessel is currently anchored at the port.“MSC AKITETA II, along with her hull, tackle, engine, machinery, spares, gear, apparel, paraphernalia, furniture, etc., presently anchored in Vizhinjam Port, is ordered to be arrested until Rs 9,531 crore is deposited by the 1st respondent in this Court, or until security for the said amount is furnished to the Court’s satisfaction,” the order stated.The court also clarified that this directive will not prevent the loading or unloading of cargo from the vessel.The accident involving MSC Elsa-3 occurred on May 25, when the Liberian-flagged cargo ship was en route from Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi. The vessel was carrying approximately 643 containers, including hazardous chemicals, when it capsized 13 nautical miles off the Alappuzha coast in Kerala. It was later scheduled to proceed to Thoothukudi. Reports indicate that the maritime accident was caused by rough sea conditions triggered by the onset of the southwest monsoon.Fishing communities in the region were heavily affected, as nets from boats operating in the Thottappally and Alappuzha areas were extensively damaged. Additionally, seafood prices plummeted in local markets following the incident, dealing a further blow to the coastal economy. Two maritime accidents, one coastal crisis: Why Kerala’s fisherfolk are strugglingEarlier, on June 13, the Kerala High Court had ordered the conditional arrest of another MSC-operated vessel, MSC Manasa F, in connection with admiralty suits filed by importers who lost cargo when MSC Elsa-3 sank. The vessel, docked at Vizhinjam Port, was detained after plaintiffs accused the crew of negligence and sought nearly Rs 6 crore in compensation. The arrest was allowed as MSC was found to have no attachable assets in India, and the order remains in force until the compensation is deposited or security is furnished.
THE Kerala High Court has ordered the conditional arrest of the cargo vessel MSC AKITETA II, the sister ship of MSC Elsa-3, in connection with a Rs 9,531 crore compensation suit filed by the state government.
The case stems from the sinking of MSC Elsa-3, which was involved in an accident in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala on May 25.
The accident resulted in containers carrying hazardous substances falling into the sea, causing significant environmental damage along the coast.
Justice MA Abdul Hakhim issued an interim order stating that Vizhinjam Seaport may enforce the warrant and carry out the arrest, as the vessel is currently anchored at the port.
“MSC AKITETA II, along with her hull, tackle, engine, machinery, spares, gear, apparel, paraphernalia, furniture, etc., presently anchored in Vizhinjam Port, is ordered to be arrested until Rs 9,531 crore is deposited by the 1st respondent in this Court, or until security for the said amount is furnished to the Court’s satisfaction,” the order stated.
The court also clarified that this directive will not prevent the loading or unloading of cargo from the vessel.
The accident involving MSC Elsa-3 occurred on May 25, when the Liberian-flagged cargo ship was en route from Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi.
The vessel was carrying approximately 643 containers, including hazardous chemicals, when it capsized 13 nautical miles off the Alappuzha coast in Kerala. It was later scheduled to proceed to Thoothukudi. Reports indicate that the maritime accident was caused by rough sea conditions triggered by the onset of the southwest monsoon.
Fishing communities in the region were heavily affected, as nets from boats operating in the Thottappally and Alappuzha areas were extensively damaged. Additionally, seafood prices plummeted in local markets following the incident, dealing a further blow to the coastal economy.
Earlier, on June 13, the Kerala High Court had ordered the conditional arrest of another MSC-operated vessel, MSC Manasa F, in connection with admiralty suits filed by importers who lost cargo when MSC Elsa-3 sank.
The vessel, docked at Vizhinjam Port, was detained after plaintiffs accused the crew of negligence and sought nearly Rs 6 crore in compensation. The arrest was allowed as MSC was found to have no attachable assets in India, and the order remains in force until the compensation is deposited or security is furnished.
