MSC Under Fire: Criminal Charges Loom After Vessel Disaster Near Indian Coast

Image Credits: Indian coast Guard/X
according to a report from teh Indian Express, the Kerala Police have initiated legal proceedings against Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a prominent player in global shipping, following the sinking of its Liberia-flagged ship, MSC ELSA 3, off Kerala’s coast.

The case was lodged on June 11 at Fort Kochi’s coastal police station. It stems from a complaint by C Shamji,who hails from Neerkkunnam Matsya Gramam—a fishing community in Alappuzha district.

On May 25, 2025, while en route to Kochi after departing from Vizhinjam port in Thiruvananthapuram, the vessel capsized approximately 14.6 nautical miles offshore near Thottappilly. This incident occurred after the ship developed a notable tilt to its starboard side just one day prior.

The MSC ELSA 3 was an older container ship—28 years old—flying under Liberia’s flag and carrying over 600 containers at the time of its sinking. Notably among these where 13 containers filled with hazardous materials.

Among these perilous goods was calcium carbide—a chemical notorious for reacting violently with water and producing flammable gases—as well as considerable quantities of marine diesel fuel.

Fortunately, all crew members aboard were rescued by personnel from the Indian Coast Guard.

The First Details Report (FIR) outlines serious accusations against those responsible for operating the vessel. It claims that both the captain and crew navigated recklessly despite knowing they were transporting hazardous and flammable materials. Their negligence not only resulted in the ship’s demise but also posed risks to lives and local ecosystems.

This case falls under multiple sections of India’s recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These include provisions addressing reckless navigation (Section 282), creating dangerous obstructions (Section 285), negligent handling of toxic substances (Section 286), careless management of flammable materials (Section 287), mishandling explosives (Section288), and engaging in criminal acts with shared intent (3(5)).

Image Credits: Indian Coast Guard/X
Officials have expressed concerns that debris from the sunken cargo has released harmful substances into nearby waters. This environmental contamination has disrupted local fishing activities—an essential source of income for many residents—and some fallen containers are obstructing navigation routes used by other vessels as well.

Following directives from higher authorities on June 10, Kerala Coastal Police launched an examination into this matter.They plan to gather testimonies from representatives of MSC along with statements from both the captain and crew members involved in this incident.

In parallel efforts, salvage operations are currently underway; authorities have set a tight deadline for oil recovery efforts within a span of just two days before monsoon conditions complicate matters further.