The Kerala High Court on Thursday modified its earlier order directing the conditional arrest of cargo vessel MSC AKITETA II and significantly reduced the security amount to be furnished by its owner, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), from ₹9,531 crore to ₹1,227.62 crore.

The matter relates to the sinking of MSC ELSA III off the Kerala coast on May 25, which allegedly released oil and cargo into the sea, causing extensive environmental damage, coastline pollution, and economic losses to thousands of fishermen.

On July 7, the High Court had ordered the arrest of the sister ship MSC AKITETA II until MSC deposited ₹9,531 crore as security in connection with the damages claimed by the state government. The claim was filed under three heads:

₹8,626.12 crore for compensation toward

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