Greenpeace India Demands Action from MSC After MSC Elsa 3 Sinking
Greenpeace India is calling for more accountability from the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) following the tragic sinking of the MSC Elsa 3, a small boxship that went down off the coast of Kochi in late May. The aftermath of the incident has raised concerns about pollution and economic impact along the coastline, with MSC facing litigation with the state of Kerala and resisting compensation claims.
On May 25, the MSC Elsa 3 was en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi carrying 640 containers when it encountered difficulties and eventually capsized, resulting in the loss of the vessel along with 450 tonnes of fuel, chemicals, and plastic pellets known as nurdles. Despite the ongoing cleanup efforts, MSC has disputed claims of pollution resulting from the sinking.
The Indian government imposed a fishing ban in the vicinity of the wreck site as a precautionary measure, leading to a decline in fish demand and affecting the livelihoods of local fishing communities. Greenpeace has highlighted the environmental impact of nurdles washing ashore in Kerala, the Gulf of Mannar, and even Sri Lanka, posing a threat to marine life.
Legal actions against MSC are underway, with multiple cases filed seeking damages and accountability. A public-interest lawsuit has already resulted in the arrest of two MSC vessels in Indian ports, while the Kerala state government has filed an admiralty suit seeking over $1 billion in damages and cleanup costs.
The MSC Elsa 3, a 28-year-old feeder ship with a history of port state control deficiencies, faced technical issues that may have contributed to the incident. While the exact cause is yet to be determined, Indian authorities suspect a malfunction in the ship’s ballast system.