India, July 8 -- The Kerala government on Monday filed an admiralty suit in the high court claiming compensation of Rs.9,531 crore for damage to the marine environment and coastline, and economic losses to the fishing community in connection with the sinking of the MSC ELSA 3 vessel off the coast of Kochi on May 25.

In its suit, the state government claimed Rs.8,626.12 crore as compensation towards damage to the environment, coastline and related interests of the state, Rs.378.48 crore for measures taken to prevent or minimise the damage caused by the vessel and Rs.526.51 crore for economic losses caused to the fishworkers. "The compensation has been computed following the Central Pollution Control Board guidelines," it said.

The state ...