Kerala seeks ₹9,531 crore compensation for marine pollution from MSC Elsa-3 vessel sinking
The Kerala government has filed an admiralty suit in the High Court seeking ₹9,531 crore in compensation for marine and coastal pollution, loss of livelihood for fishers, and remediation measures following the sinking of the container vessel MSC Elsa-3. The vessel, owned by MSC Shipping Company, sank off the Alappuzha coast on May 25, carrying 643 containers, including hazardous cargo and plastic pellets (nurdles). The incident caused an oil slick, plastic nurdles washing ashore (60 tonnes collected), and led to a severe crash in the fisheries market. Six carcasses, including dolphins and a whale, suspected to have died from exposure to microplastics and toxic substances, were found. The claim includes ₹8,626.12 crore for pollution damage, ₹378.48 crore for environmental restoration, and ₹526.51 crore for economic loss to fishers.
Key Points
- Kerala government is seeking ₹9,531 crore in compensation for marine pollution caused by the sinking of MSC Elsa-3.
- The vessel carried hazardous cargo and plastic nurdles, leading to an oil slick and significant coastal contamination.
- The pollution has severely impacted the fisheries market and is suspected to have caused marine animal deaths.
- The compensation claim is filed under the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017.
- The suit covers damages for pollution, environmental restoration, and economic losses to fishers.
Exam Facts
- Kerala government seeks ₹9,531 crore compensation.
- The incident involved the container vessel MSC Elsa-3, which sank off Alappuzha coast on May 25.
- The claim is filed under the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017.
- The claim includes ₹8,626.12 crore for pollution damage, ₹378.48 crore for environmental restoration, and ₹526.51 crore for economic loss to fishers.
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