The Kerala High Court on Monday ordered the Liberian ship MSC Akakeeta 2 to be seized. The ship was an associate of the Liberian ship MSC Elsa 3, which was submerged on the coast of Kochi on 25 May. Both ships are from the MSC Meditarenian shipping company.
The Kerala government had filed a compensation of Rs 9531 crore on environmental and economic loss due to drowning MSC Elsa 3. At the same time, the associate ship (MSC Akakeeta 2) had demanded seizing the ship, fearing going out of India.
On this, the court ordered that MSC Akakeeta 2 should be confiscated until the shipping company deposits the compensation amount. The ship will not be able to go out of India until the matter is resolved.
Instructions to seize and protect the ship to Vizhinjam port
According to the Kerala government, several marine creatures including dolphins and whales died due to the toxic substances that came out after the ship drowning. On this, the government demanded compensation under Section 4 of the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Marine Classes) Act.
This includes a loss of ₹ 8626 crore for pollution, ₹ 378.48 crore for the environment and ₹ 526.51 crore to fishermen. The entire amount of compensation including interest is ₹ 9,531.11 crore.
The court instructed Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited to seize and protect the ship. The court also made it clear that this order would not interfere in loading or unloading of goods. The next hearing of the case will be held on 10 July.
