The Director General of Shipping has issued a formal notice to MSC Ship Management for gross negligence in the salvage operations of the sunken container vessel MV Elsa 3 off the Kochi coast and an imminent threat to the marine environment and the coastline.
The DGS in the notice said that the progress made in this operation is grossly inadequate and continues to fall short of the timelines and operational commitments previously provided by the owners and salvors. Should the extraction of oil not commence within the next 48 hours, the government shall be left with no alternative but to examine all avenues against the ship owners and salvors under applicable Indian legislation for the continuing threat posed to Indian waters and the coastal environment, the notice said.
Despite repeated instructions and coordination meetings, the response from salvors has been consistently delayed and insufficient. The lack of prompt action has resulted in a continued and serious risk to the marine environment and coastline, particularly affecting Kerala’s coastal region. The local communities in the region, which heavily rely on fishing for their livelihoods, have already suffered extensive loss of work and income due to the prolonged presence of the sunken vessel, floating debris, oil sheen and ongoing pollution risks.
The salvors not only delayed the required diving support vessel and personnel but also failed to file visa applications for saturation divers from 11 countries, even after the Indian government facilitated diplomatic support for their clearance.
The vessel, which lies at a depth of 51 metre, requires saturation diving for oil recovery. However, only limited air diving has been conducted so far, insufficient for the safe and complete extraction of oil trapped in the tanks. Capping of vents, which was scheduled for completion earlier this month is still being conducted at present. The extraction of oil, originally scheduled to commence around June 5, has not even begun as of this date, the notice said.
The Directorate General of Shipping placed the owners and salvors on formal notice that any further delay beyond the specified period will be treated as wilful and deliberate noncompliance, and the government shall proceed to exercise its full legal rights and remedies without further reference.