Dolphin deaths may be linked to MSC ELSA 3 shipwreck
The preliminary report by DFO M Venkateshwaran to the directorate of environment suggests that the deaths of these dolphins may be connected to the recent container spill from the sunken vessel MSC ELSA 3, which reportedly contained hazardous materials.
Following the autopsy, a case was filed at the Konakkuzhi forest station. One carcass was in an advanced stage of decomposition. The autopsy on the other was conducted, and visceral samples were sent for testing at a chemical laboratory to ascertain the cause of death.
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New Indian Express
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Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Compensation claimed by state exaggerated: Owners
Kochi: The owners of the vessel MSC AKITETA II, which was arrested on the directive of the high court in an admiralty suit filed by the state govt, informed court that the amount claimed by the state, Rs 9,531 crore, is highly exaggerated. They also submitted that the suit is not maintainable, as the vessel is not within Indian territorial waters. While considering the interlocutory application filed by the vessel owners in the state's admiralty suit, the bench of Justice M A Abdul Hakhim orally asked the owners to state how much they were willing to deposit as security in the matter. HC had issued an arrest warrant against AKITETA II on July 7. It came following the state govt suit seeking claims for the grave and widespread environmental and economic damage allegedly caused by the capsize of cargo vessel MSC ELSA 3 off Kerala coast on May 25. The vessel owners, however, contended that there was no evidence of oil pollution resulting from the capsize. They submitted that the oil sheen, which had spread within one nautical mile of the site, was completely cleaned up by the ship owner. They reiterated that the claim is exaggerated and not backed by adequate supporting documents. Seeking modification of the previous order directing the deposit of Rs 9,531 crore as security, senior counsel for the vessel owners relied on Section 11(2) of the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017, which permits the court to modify or cancel the security requirement for sufficient cause. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo They also referred to a 2017 HC division bench judgment that had reduced a security deposit from Rs 18.5 crore to Rs 1 crore. However, advocate general K Gopalakrishna Kurup opposed the plea, contending that the arrest order was issued after HC was satisfied with the prima facie case established by the plaint and supporting documents. He argued that the question of modifying or cancelling the order could arise only after completion of pleadings. Accepting the AG's submission, HC directed the ship owners to file a counter-affidavit along with supporting documents within two weeks. The matter has been posted for Aug 8, and HC clarified that the arrest order shall remain in force until then.
The Hindu
3 days ago
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Shipping company conveys to HC inability to deposit ₹9,531 crore as damages for sunken ship
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