Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 15 -- The aftermath of the MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck has snowballed into a high-stakes legal and political battle in Kerala, with global shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) declaring its liability at just Rs.132 crore, while the state government is demanding a staggering Rs.9,531 crore in compensation for ecological devastation, widespread coastal pollution, and livelihood losses.

The stark divergence in claims has transformed the wreck from a maritime accident into a deeply emotive issue-pitting international maritime law against local survival, dignity, and justice.

The controversy sharpened after the shipowners placed advertisements in Kerala newspapers announcing that all claims must be filed in ...