THE Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), owner of the Liberian flagged 1,730-TEU MSC ELSA 3 that capsized off the southwest coast of India May 25, told the high court that no significant environmental damage had been caused by the incident, reports New Delhi's Times of India.

MSC said a light oil sheen was observed around the vessel's location that was promptly contained and has since dispersed.

All accessible vents and sounding pipes from which oil could potentially escape have been capped. Therefore, at present, there is no imminent threat of an oil spill, environmental damage, or any related consequences.

These submissions were in response to petitions filed by former MP TN Prathapan and others, seeking comprehensive compensation and rehabilitation for fishermen and other stakeholders affected by the incident.

MSC also informed that the removal of fuel from the vessel's bunker tanks requires saturation diving - a high-risk operation unfeasible under the current weather conditions.

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