The Kerala High Court has permitted three foreign crew members from the sunken cargo vessel MSC ELSA-3 to leave India, subject to certain conditions. The court’s decision follows a petition by seven crew members seeking the return of their passports and permission to depart, alleging illegal detention in India for over a year during the investigation into the vessel’s sinking.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas granted permission for an electro-technical officer, a seaman, and a motorman to return home, provided they execute a bond, furnish a ₹1 lakh bank guarantee, and submit permanent contact details along with an undertaking to appear online as witnesses if required. However, the remaining petitioners, including those named in the preliminary enquiry report, were directed to stay in India until their examination is completed.
The MSC ELSA-3, a Liberia-flagged ship, sank off Kochi in May 2025, raising environmental concerns and prompting multiple investigations. While some crew have been allowed to leave, others have been stranded in Kochi for nearly a year without charges. The Court scheduled the next hearing for June 15 and noted the ongoing formal investigation, expected to conclude within two months.
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