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Kerala High Court Detains MSC Akiteta II Over ₹9,531 Crore Claim

The order secures nearly ₹10,000 crore in environmental and livelihood damages by detaining MSC’s sister ship until security is furnished.

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MSC Aries | Image: X
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The image shows the container vessel, tilted to the right, in the sea.

Overview

  • Kerala’s admiralty suit, filed July 7 under the Admiralty Act, seeks ₹9,531 crore covering pollution damage, environmental restoration and economic losses to fishers after the MSC Elsa-3 sank on May 25.
  • High Court bench led by Justice M.A. Abdul Hakim ordered MSC Akiteta II detained at Vizhinjam Port until Kerala secures the full compensation or equivalent security.
  • Cleanup efforts have recovered 61 containers and about 60 tonnes of plastic nurdles washed ashore, while seasonal monsoon conditions have repeatedly curtailed salvage and oil-recovery operations.
  • The government contends that MSC Elsa-3 and MSC Akiteta II operate under common commercial and technical control despite separate registrations, alleging a shell-company structure designed to frustrate maritime claims.
  • Kerala has provided interim relief to more than 100,000 fishing and allied families and awaits a July 10 hearing to determine if MSC will furnish the required security or face sale of the vessel.