09/07/2007

Container ship raised

The container ship MSC Napoli, which stranded on a Devon beach six months ago, has been refloated.

The decision to refloat the 62,000 tonne vessel and hold it in position just off the beach at Branscombe was made by the Secretary of State's Representative in Maritime Salvage and Intervention, Robin Middleton, after the reviewing the condition of the ship and the prevailing weather conditions in Lyme Bay.

The vessel was refloated to prevent further deterioration in the structure of the ship and to reduce further damage to the environment.

The vessel will be held off the beach awaiting a decision on its final disposal.

Around 58,000 tons of water was pumped from the ship which got into difficulties in a storm in January.

Looters on the beach scavenged containers washed overboard.

(SP)

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