Kochi: The High Court has ordered the arrest of MSC Akita-2, a vessel belonging to MSC, in connection with the MSC Elsa-3 ship accident. The decision came while considering an admiralty suit filed by the state government, which is seeking ₹9,531 crore in compensation from the company.

The MSC Elsa-3 ship accident on May 25 caused significant damage to the Kerala coast and its fishing sector. The state government approached the High Court highlighting these concerns. An admiralty suit was filed against the Mediterranean Shipping Company for environmental and marine product losses. The court, acting on the petition, ordered the arrest of MSC’s Akita-2 vessel. The order was issued by a single bench headed by Justice Abdul Hakeem. The court also restrained the Akita-2 vessel from leaving Vizhinjam.

The ill-fated ship was carrying 643 containers with environmentally hazardous materials. This has adversely affected Kerala’s marine environment and led to a decrease in fish availability. A special expert committee appointed by the government had submitted recommendations regarding the compensation to the government. The petition will be heard again on Thursday.

Palakkad: The health condition of a young woman from Palakkad, who is undergoing treatment for Nipah infection, continues to be critical. Earlier, a child, a relative of the woman, had also developed a fever. Currently, 12 people on the contact list are receiving treatment for fever.

Authorities announced that the test results for 9 samples sent for examination have come back negative. With this, the woman’s contact list now stands at 208 people. The District Collector also informed that 4 individuals remain in isolation.

Meanwhile, a review meeting was held under the leadership of Minister Veena George. The minister stated that the woman has been given two doses of monoclonal antibody. The minister also clarified that there is no need for alarm and that taking precautions is sufficient.

Following a confirmed case of Nipah virus in Palakkad, the district administration has imposed strict restrictions. Shops in affected areas are allowed to operate only between 8 AM and 6 PM, according to District Collector G. Priyanka.

Restrictions are in effect in Wards 7, 8, 9, and 11 of Thachanattukara Panchayat and Wards 17 and 18 of Karimpuzha Panchayat. Commercial establishments, educational institutions, and other offices must remain closed. Wearing masks is mandatory.

The infected woman has not used public transportation. A route map will be released soon, the Collector said.

She is currently on a ventilator at a hospital in Perinthalmanna. There are 59 individuals on the contact list, but none have shown symptoms. Those on the primary contact list are in home quarantine. The woman began showing symptoms on June 25.