The Kerala High Court has stepped in after the sinking of cargo ship MSC Elsa 3, directing the detention of another vessel owned by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) — MSC Manasa F — docked at Vizhinjam Port.
This came after the proprietor of Mangalath Cashews, whose cargo was lost in the shipwreck, approached the court demanding compensation of ₹1,54,71,443. The petitioner claimed that both vessels — Elsa 3 and Manasa F — though registered under different sister companies, are essentially owned and operated by MSC.
MSC Elsa 3, a Liberian-flagged cargo vessel, went down off the Kochi coast on May 24 while carrying hazardous cargo, including calcium carbide. The spill triggered environmental concerns and led the Kerala government to enforce a 20-nautical-mile fishing ban around the wreck.
Though the state initially chose not to pursue legal action against the company, the tide seems to be turning. A police case has now been registered against the ship’s owner, master, and crew following a complaint by an Alappuzha resident, C Shamji.
Justice MA Abdul Hakhim, who heard the matter on June 13, directed the Vizhinjam Port Authority to hold back MSC Manasa F — which was set to leave the port that day — until the ₹1.5 crore claim is either deposited in court or equivalent security is furnished. The petitioner pointed out that MSC has no other property within Indian territory, making the detained ship a key legal leverage.
What adds an interesting twist to the story is the earlier stance of the Kerala government. The Chief Secretary had noted that a formal case against MSC was unnecessary, citing the company’s “good reputation” and long-term relationship with Vizhinjam Port. The central government reportedly supported this softer approach.
However, with the environmental implications of the sunken vessel growing more serious and affected parties pushing for accountability, legal gears have started to move. The case is scheduled to be heard next on June 16.