MSC sued in India for $1.1bn over oil spill

KERALA’S government has sued Mediterranean Shipping Co and sought $1.1bn in compensation over the sinking of its containership MSC Elsa 3 (IMO: 9123221) off the southern Indian state in May.

The high court in Kerala on Monday ordered port authorities to seize another MSC ship, the 2,226 teu MSC Akiteta II (IMO: 9220847), anchored at Vizhinjam, until MSC deposits securities for the claim amount.

The court directed that the order would not affect the loading and discharge of the vessel’s cargo. A further hearing is set for July 10.

MSC Elsa 3 capsized and sank about 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi(IND) on May 25, after developing a 26° list. It released toxic cargo including calcium carbide into the sea.

The government imposed a 20 nautical mile fishing ban around the wreck to contain the potential pollution, according to casualty reports.

The Admiralty suit cited extensive pollution from oil and cargo, and long-term ecological and economic impacts.

MSC declined to comment.

Last month, India complained to the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee that container lines must take more responsibility for casualties involving dangerous cargoes, after four incidents within three weeks including MSC Elsa 3.

“What is in a box cannot be a mystery anymore,” India’s delegate said.

Kerala’s government said the sunken vessel had 643 containers. It is seeking compensation for the environmental harm, clean-up and economic losses to local fishermen.