Centre to conduct underwater survey of sunken MSC Elsa 3 vessel

The Centre has committed to conducting a detailed underwater assessment of the Mediterranean Shipping Company-owned MSC Elsa 3, which went down in waters off Alappuzha, according to submissions made to the Kerala High Court. The survey is intended to determine the extent of ecological and environmental harm resulting from the incident and to guide long-term remediation efforts.

The sinking of the Liberian-registered vessel has raised concerns among environmental and fishing communities along the southwestern coast. Preliminary reports suggest the incident has inflicted substantial damage to coastal ecosystems and marine habitats in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu, affecting fish stocks and livelihoods dependent on maritime resources.

The planned underwater survey is expected to provide crucial data on seabed conditions, salvage requirements, and potential hazards posed by the wreck to navigation and marine life. Officials have not yet announced a timeline for the survey's completion, though the court has been briefed on the government's intention to undertake the assessment.

The sinking represents one of the region's significant maritime incidents in recent years and has prompted regulatory reviews of shipping safety protocols in Indian waters. Authorities are also examining whether additional measures are needed to prevent similar incidents and to better protect coastal environments in high-traffic shipping zones.