Kochi : The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has informed HC that two agencies — C-Track Surveys and Fugro Survey India Pvt Ltd — have been identified to conduct an independent multibeam and side-scan survey of the wreck of MSC Elsa 3 that sank off Kerala’s coast on May 25, 2025.




A statement filed by DGMA added that the cost of the proposed survey would be borne by the owners of the vessel with competent authorities and institutions such as National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) overseeing the process. The findings, when compared with the owners’ earlier survey report, would be examined by a joint/inter-departmental committee.




Suggested members include the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways, DGMA, mercantile marine department, MOEFCC, KSDMA, NIO and NIOT. It also stated that the Navy had been asked to examine the feasibility of an independent survey using its specialised resources, covering submerged containers, hazardous cargo and navigational and environmental risks.




DGMA filed the statement in response to PILs filed by ex-MP T N Prathapan and others, seeking adequate compensation for the fishing community and other stakeholders after the vessel capsized. During Tuesday’s hearing, the counsel for Mediterranean Shipping Company sought further time to obtain instructions regarding certain aspects referred to in the statement filed by DGMA.




Meanwhile, another petitioner cited Section 237 of Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, arguing that Centre must determine whether a wreck constitutes a hazard based on statutory criteria, including its type, size, construction, depth, tides, proximity to coral reefs, shipping routes, cargo, oil, port vulnerability, meteorology, submarine topography, acoustic and magnetic profiles and offshore installations.




The court noted that NIO had undertaken a scientific and environmental assessment on behalf of the state govt and directed that it be placed on record. The pollution control board (PCB) sought additional time to place the assessment on record.




The owners of MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire off Kerala coast in June 2025, submitted that there was no evidence of an environmental threat or pollution in connection with the wreck of their vessel based on the submissions of the director general of shipping and PCB. They denied that the incident occurred in Indian waters. The petitioners opposed their contention and sought additional time to respond. Accordingly, HC adjourned the PILs to Oct 6 for further consideration.