Kochi: Seven crew members of the vessel MSC Elsa 3, which capsized off the Kerala coast in May 2025, have approached the Kerala High Court seeking the return of their passports and permission to return to their home countries.
Petition Filed by Crew Members
Ivanov Alexander, the ship’s captain, along with six others, including the chief officer, chief engineer, second engineer, and other crew members from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the Philippines, has filed the petition. A bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas adjourned the petition to May 29 after the central government, the Director General of Shipping, and the Principal Officer of the Mercantile Marine Department sought further time to file affidavits.
Details of the Incident
MSC Elsa 3, a Liberian-flagged vessel, capsized 13 nautical miles off Alappuzha on May 25, 2025, while en route from Vizhinjam port to Kochi port. The incident allegedly resulted in severe marine pollution and led to several lawsuits. Following rescue operations, the Mercantile Marine Department issued a notice directing the crew members to remain in Kochi and not leave the city without written permission.
Crew Stranded for Nearly 11 Months
The petition further stated that the Director General of Shipping had permitted 15 crew members to return to their home countries in August 2025 but excluded the petitioners. Although the petitioners claimed to have cooperated with the investigation, they have remained stranded in Kochi for nearly 11 months without any charges being framed against them. The petition also claimed that despite multiple letters and emails seeking permission for repatriation on humanitarian grounds, the authorities continued to insist that the petitioners were required for the investigation.
The crew members expressed frustration over the prolonged detention, highlighting that they have not been charged with any offense and are being held indefinitely. They argued that their continued presence in Kochi is unnecessary for the investigation, as they have already provided all necessary statements and evidence. The petitioners sought the court’s intervention to direct the authorities to return their passports and allow them to leave India at the earliest.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on May 29, when the authorities are expected to file their affidavits. Until then, the crew members remain in legal limbo, hoping for a resolution that will allow them to reunite with their families.
