'Rs 9,531 crore compensation from MSC shipping company'; Kerala HC orders arrest of AKITETA vessel anchored at Vizhinjam

KOCHI: The state government approached the High Court seeking compensation of Rs 9,531 crore from the parent company of the MSC ELSA3 ship that capsized in the Arabian Sea. This is considering the losses incurred in the environmental and economic sectors. Justice M.A. Abdul Hakeem, who considered the admiralty suit filed by the government, ordered the arrest of the MSC Company's ship AKITETA II, anchored in Vizhinjam till Thursday. The order said that the ship should be released after a decision is made regarding the compensation.

The government also sought interim relief along with six per cent interest till the disposal of the petition. The compensation sought was for environmental damage, loss of livelihood of fishermen, and cost of removing waste from containers etc. The petition will be heard again on the 10th.

Compensation sought

(Amount in crores)

Environmental damage due to pollution............... 8,626.12

Environmental restoration cost........................ 526.51

Financial loss to fishermen......... 526.51

Total loss................................................................. 9,531