Kochi: The Fort Kochi police have registered a case in connection with the sinking of the Liberia-flagged container ship MSC Elsa 3, which went down about 38 nautical miles off the Kerala coast on May 25. The vessel was sailing between the Indian ports of Vizhinjam and Kochi when the accident happened. 

The first accused in the case is the owner of the shipping firm, while the shipmaster has been named as the second accused. The crew members are also named in the case. 

The case was filed following a complaint by C Shamji, CPM Ambalapuzha area secretary and leader of the fishermen’s union. He demanded compensation for fishermen and coastal residents affected by the MSC Elsa 3 sinking.

The FIR cites Sections 282, 285, 286, 287, and 288, including charges related to negligent handling of machinery and hazardous substances. These offences carry fines of up to ₹10,000 or six months' imprisonment. The complaint alleges that the vessel was operated in a reckless manner despite carrying highly flammable materials.

After the May 29 high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and attended by Director General of Shipping Shyam Jagannathan and the state chief secretary, the state decided against pursuing legal action against the shipping company.

Following the incident, the Kerala government issued a high alert in coastal areas and advised fishermen to avoid the vicinity of the sunken vessel due to potential risks from the cargo.

However, the state government has decided not to pursue immediate criminal proceedings. Instead, officials have been directed to focus on recovering damages caused by the sinking, according to a note prepared by Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak.