Underwater survey to be done to assess long-term impact of MSC Elsa 3 sinking, Centre informs Kerala HC
The Indian government has announced plans to conduct an underwater survey of the MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck off the coast of Kerala. This initiative aims to assess long-term environmental damage and potential risks following the vessel's sinking in May 2025.
Why it matters
The survey is a critical step in addressing environmental hazards and legal demands for compensation from local fishing communities affected by the wreck.
The Central government informed the Kerala High Court that a multi-beam underwater survey would be carried out to assess the long-term environmental implications, marine ecological concerns, the current state of the submerged wreck and the potential future risks of the MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck.
The Liberian-flagged vessel owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) sank off the coast of Alappuzha in May 2025, reportedly causing substantial coastal and marine damage to the shores of Keralam and Tamil Nadu.
The Additional Solicitor General of India appearing for the Centre and the Ministry of Defence informed the Division Bench of Justices V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar that two agencies had already been identified for the underwater survey.
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