Thu Jun 12 09:54:27 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Director General of Shipping (DGS) in India has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to MSC Ship Management Limited, the owner of the sunken vessel MSC Elsa 3, to begin extracting oil from the ship off the coast of Kerala. The DGS accuses the company and its appointed salvors, T&T Salvage, of negligence and violation of statutory obligations due to inaction and delays in the oil recovery process. If the extraction does not commence immediately, the Indian government threatens legal action under multiple maritime safety, environmental protection, and disaster management laws. The delay is causing severe environmental and economic damage, particularly impacting local fishing communities. The DGS criticizes the salvors for their slow deployment of necessary equipment and use of inadequate diving techniques, leading to missed deadlines and the loss of a crucial weather window before the monsoon season.

**News Article:**

**India Issues Ultimatum to Ship Owner Over Kerala Oil Spill Threat**

**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, June 12, 2025** – The Indian government has given MSC Ship Management Limited, the owner of the sunken vessel MSC Elsa 3, a 48-hour deadline to begin extracting oil from the ship, which poses a significant environmental threat off the coast of Kerala.

In a strongly worded letter, Director General of Shipping (DGS) Shyam Jagannatan accused the company and its appointed salvors, T&T Salvage, of “negligence” and “violation of statutory obligations” for failing to act swiftly to mitigate the risk of a major oil spill. The MSC Elsa 3 sank on May 24th, and the delayed response has drawn sharp criticism from the Indian government.

The DGS warned that if oil extraction does not commence within the next 48 hours, the government will explore all legal avenues, including prosecution and penalties under the Merchant Shipping Act, Environment (Protection) Act, and other relevant Indian laws.

“The consistent inaction and delay represent not only negligence but also a violation of statutory obligations,” Jagannatan wrote.

The ultimatum comes amidst growing concerns about the environmental and economic impact of the sunken vessel. Local fishing communities, who rely heavily on the waters off Kerala, are already experiencing significant losses due to the prolonged presence of the ship and the risk of oil contamination.

The DGS criticized the salvors for their slow deployment of necessary assets, including diving support vessels, and for using inadequate air diving techniques despite the ship’s depth. He stated that the salvage operation missed a critical weather window due to the delays, further complicating the situation.

The government has vowed to exercise its “full legal rights and remedies” if the deadline is not met, signaling a serious commitment to protecting Indian waters and coastal environment from potential disaster.

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