A pilot study conducted by Greenpeace India has revealed that fishing families in Karumkulam Panchayat, near Pulluvila, are losing an estimated ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per month following the MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck off the Kerala coast in May.
The Liberian-flagged container vessel sank 14.6 nautical miles southwest of Kochi on May 24, releasing plastic nurdles and drifting containers that have severely damaged fishing nets and disrupted livelihoods.
The findings were released during a protest held by Greenpeace activists and representatives of the Fishermen’s Federation of Kerala, demanding faster compensation from the shipping company.
The survey estimates that the total financial impact in Karumkulam alone could be around ₹54 lakh. “You can imagine the overall loss across the coastal villages in Kerala following this shipwreck. The government has demanded ₹9,531 crore in compensation from the shipping company, but in reality the total loss could be double that amount,” said Jackson Pollayil, state president of the Fishermen’s Federation of Kerala.
He criticised the shipping company’s offer of ₹132 crore as inadequate. “We do not know how they calculated this figure. They have a moral responsibility to tell us what data they used to arrive at this conclusion,” he added.
Greenpeace climate campaigner Amrurha S N said, “This is not just about one village. It is an assessment of all coastal villages in Kerala badly affected by the shipwreck. We should not allow the MSC shipping company to exploit loopholes in the case.”
The survey also highlighted the worsening conditions for fisherwomen and youth in the region. Many are now seeking alternative employment due to the rising costs and declining viability of fishing.
“I cannot operate my boat because the pollution from plastic nurdles and drifting containers has damaged my nets. I am now working as a crew member on another fishing boat,” said Densen, a 43-year-old fisherman.
Fishermen’s associations have warned of continued protests if the government fails to expedite compensation. “We hope the government will soon find a solution to our problems . If that does not happen, we have no option but to continue our protests,” Jackson Pollayil said.
During the demonstration outside the Secretariat, fishermen displayed damaged nets and called for urgent government intervention.
