The Bench of Justice Ma Abdul Hakim has ordered the arrest of the MSC Akita II, valued at ₹9,531 crore, pending a July 10 hearing. The decision follows environmental claims citing pollution damages linked to the sunken MSC ELSA, impacting local fisheries and resulting in significant losses for fishermen.
The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) reported to the High Court regarding the MSC ELSA 3, which sank off Kerala on May 25. They claimed no significant environmental damage occurred, asserting that oil leaks were secured. Of the 643 containers aboard, none contained hazardous materials, with minimal non-toxic plastic recovered. The wreck poses no navigational threats.
The Kerala police have filed a case against the MSC Elsa 3’s owner and crew after the vessel sank off Alappuzha’s coast, carrying hazardous cargo. An FIR cites offenses like negligent conduct and rash navigation, highlighting environmental damage and threats to local fishermen’s livelihoods. The Congress party demands urgent legal action.
