MSC Napoli news update site

Welcome to the MSC Napoli news update website. Here you will find the latest information about the status of the vessel and the beaches around East Devon that have been affected by the grounding of the ship on 20 January this year.

This page will be updated on an ad hoc basis as and when new information becomes available. Information will come from a number of sources, including EDDC, Devon County Council, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, South West Tourism and the National Trust.

LATEST NEWS

MSC Napoli Update - 16 July 2008

The following release was issued to the press today:

Sunny ceremony for Napoli anchor on Branscombe beach

THE SUN shone today (Wednesday) as East Devon District Council’s Chairman, watched by a crowd of dignitaries, local residents, schoolchildren and holidaymakers, officially accepted the anchor from the MSC Napoli as a permanent memento of the ship’s extended presence off the coast of Branscombe.

Councillor Paul Diviani unveiled a plaque describing the anchor, which has been kindly donated to the people of Branscombe and East Devon by the ship’s owners, Metvale Ltd.

Representatives of many of the organisations and agencies involved in Operation Napoli since January 2007 attended the formal unveiling ceremony, at the invitation of Councillor Graham Liverton, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder Environment. Also present were pupils of BranscombePrimary School and residents of the village.

EDDC built a plinth for the anchor on the apron to the beach and provided an explanatory plaque and interpretation board at the site. The new site for the anchor was kindly donated by the Sellick Family of Branscombe.

Proceedings started at 11.00 a.m. on the grass verge outside the Sea Shanty restaurant on Branscombe beach and the short ceremony consisted of the following:

Introductions from Councillor Graham Liverton, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder Environment
A few words from Mr Mark Rawson, representing the owners of the MSC Napoli
A few words from Mr John Bass, Chairman of Branscombe Parish Council
Unveiling of the plaque describing the anchor by Councillor Paul Diviani, Chairman of EDDC

Representatives of the various agencies who have worked in partnership throughout Operation Napoli included the ship’s owners, Metvale Ltd, and their salvage, insurance and legal representatives, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Environment Agency, the Police, National Trust, Devon County Council, East Devon District Council and Branscombe Parish Council.

MSC Napoli Update - 3 July 2008

The following release was issued to the press today:

Ceremony to unveil MSC Napoli anchor on Branscombe beach

EAST Devon District Council has arranged for the anchor from the MSC Napoli – the cargo ship beached off Branscombe’s WorldHeritageCoast for the past 18 months – to be unveiled on the seafront as a permanent memento of the ship’s extended presence.

The anchor, which has been kindly donated to the people of Branscombe and East Devon by the ship’s owners, Metvale Ltd, will be unveiled on Wednesday 16 July at 11.00 a.m. The Media are invited to attend the event, record the unveiling ceremony and interview key players.

Representatives of many of the organisations and agencies involved in Operation Napoli since January 2007 have been invited to attend the formal unveiling ceremony, at the request of Councillor Graham Liverton, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder Environment.

The ceremony, which will be followed by a buffet reception, will be conducted by the Chairman of East Devon District Council, Councillor Paul Diviani. EDDC has built a plinth for the anchor on the apron to the beach and has provided an explanatory plaque and information board at the site.

Proceedings on 16 July will start at 11.00 a.m. on the grass verge outside the Sea Shanty restaurant on Branscombe beach and the short ceremony will consist of the following:

Introductions from Councillor Graham Liverton, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder Environment
A few words from Mr Mark Rawson, representing the owners of the MSC Napoli
A few words from Mr John Bass, Chairman of Branscombe Parish Council
Unveiling of the plaque describing the anchor by Councillor Paul Diviani, Chairman of EDDC

Representatives of the various agencies who have worked in partnership throughout Operation Napoli will be present and will be available for press or broadcast interviews and filming immediately after the official ceremony.

These will include the ship’s owners, Metvale Ltd, and their salvage, insurance and legal representatives, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Environment Agency, the Police, National Trust, Devon County Council, East Devon District Council and Branscombe Parish Council.

Refreshments will be available at the Sea Shanty Restaurant close to the site of the anchor and there will be an indoor exhibition of the Napoli incident. We anticipate that the event will end by 2.00 p.m. at the latest.

Please see attached car pass that you should bring with you to ensure free parking for the event. We look forward to welcoming you on the day and to closing another chapter in the story of the MSC Napoli in Branscombe.

MSC Napoli Update - Friday 2 May 2008

Preparatory work to break up key parts of the stern through use of controlled cutting charges is continuing. Previous detonations within the engine casing have been successful, and weather allowing work has continued this week with the aim to complete removal of the propeller,rudder and to split the main propeller shaft.

The Temporary Exclusion Zone has been increased to 1500 metres until the work with cutting charges is completed.

There is no requirement to restrict access to the nearby beaches.

Aerial surveillance flights are patrolling the area on a regular basis.

The ship owners have in place a range of counter response measures including personnel and equipment, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Counter Pollution and Salvage Office is remaining in situ as routine, during this preparatory work.

Preparatory work is essential before the actual cutting and removal process can begin to remove the rest of the stern. Tugs, barges and cutting equipment will be mobilised at the beginning of May.

Scrap from the vessel will be removed from the site by barge and transported to Rotterdam for re-cycling.

Work to keep the beaches clear is continuing, with material being removed on a daily basis.

On completion of the removal of the stern section, a full underwater inspection will be carried out to ensure that the seabed has been cleared of debris from the MSC Napoli.

The first stage - the evidence gathering - for the Devon County Council-led local public inquiry into the beaching of the MSC Napoli is continuing. Local authorities, Government departments and agencies, businesses and landowners, communities, their elected representatives, environmental and conservation bodies, the general public and any interest party, are invited to contribute their views throughout the spring.

People can contribute their views via Devon County Council's website, or by completing the MSC Napoli Inquiry Response pack, which are widely available from libraries, local government offices, schools, towns and parish councils and local members. Packs are available on request by telephoning: 01392 380101.

Professor Ian Mercer CBE has been appointed as the independent chairman of the MSC Napoli local public inquiry. All evidence gathered will be catalogued and prepared for the Chairman and Committee of Inquiry. Findings of the Committee will be made public and shared locally and nationally with Ministers.

The following press release was issued by East Devon District Council on Thursday 1 May

WITH the May Day bank holiday weekend in the offing, and the main holiday season nearly upon us, visitors are being advised of the latest information on Operation Napoli – the work still continuing to remove the hull and submerged cargo of the ship grounded off Branscombe in January 2007.

The Napoli arrived in East Devon waters after damage to the hull put the ship in danger of breaking up mid-Channel, with potentially catastrophic environmental consequences for the seaway and nearby coastline from oil spillage and lost containers.

In the event, only a few containers went overboard, whilst engine and fuel oil was pumped off the ship, so avoiding an ecological disaster.

Fifteen months on, part of the stern section is still with us. Work is ongoing to remove the propeller, engine and other mechanical parts before the hull is broken up and taken to Rotterdam by barge for recycling.

Divers are checking the sea-bed for lost cargo and three craft are off the Branscombe coast in support of the salvage work. These are the Terra Mare, the Atlanta and the Defiant.

Fishing boat skippers and boating enthusiasts have been reminded that the 1500-metre seaward exclusion zone around the stern section is still in force and that they should not be tempted to stray nearer to the hull.

Meanwhile, residents and visitors who are out for a stroll on the beach – and those brave souls who may be tempted to go for a dip or a paddle – are being advised to watch out for items of the Napoli’s cargo, which are still being washed up on the coastline.

Councillor Graham Liverton, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder Environment, who is responsible for the care of EDDC’s beaches, said: “The May Bank Holiday will hopefully see the usual influx of visitors to our beautiful Jurassic coastline.

Washed up

“The Napoli is still a talking point as she sits a few hundred metres off the low water line. We want people to remember that the ship is a danger to shipping and that vessels of all sizes should keep well clear of her.

“Contractors working for the ship’s owners are still on site at Branscombe, where there is a compound for storing debris washed ashore. Recent storms have caused a good deal of debris to be washed up all along the coastline.

“We want people to continue enjoying our beautiful beaches, but please watch out for items of the Napoli’s cargo that may have come ashore on the last high tide and have not yet been collected by the salvage teams.

“The debris ranges from plastic BMW car parts to shampoo bottles and medical supplies – including some hypodermic syringes and needles. The needles should be in plastic sheaths, but a few have been turning up recently without the sheath attached.

“We would advise people to wear shoes or sandals when walking on the beach, or when bathing. If anyone spots clusters of debris or the occasional needle on the beach, they should report it at once to our Napoli Helpline (01395 516 854) and we will arrange for the salvage teams to collect it”.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The ship is still the responsibility of the Secretary of State’s Representative (SOSREP) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), who are overseeing the dismantling and removal of the remaining section of the hull.

MSC Napoli update - Thursday 10 April

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has sent out the following information to media today:

NAPOLI STERN SECTION REMOVAL COMMENCES THURSDAY

On Thursday 10 April, the operation will start on the removal of the final stern section of the MSC Napoli.

Contractors will use cutting charges to remove the propeller, rudder and to cut the main drive shaft. The explosives in these cutting charges will be a fraction of what was previously used to separate the stern from the rest of the ship.

Once this preparatory work has been completed, at-sea equipment including accommodation, working and scrap barges, a crane and cutting machine will be mobilized to the site at Branscombe at the end of April.

Contingency plans are in place to minimise any environmental impact that the operation may have. There will be an at-sea exclusion zone of 1,500 metres which will extend as far as the high water mark on shore.

Clean-up contractors will be in place throughout the 5 month removal operation. Once the stern section is removed, full underwater surveys of the site will take place under the direction of the salvors to check that the seabed is clear of any debris.

Hugh Shaw, Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention said:

“This is the final phase of the salvage operation of the stern of the MSC Napoli. The owners have contractors in place to deal quickly with any debris that may come ashore.

The contractors are working closely with East Devon District Council to keep beaches and coastal areas open.”

MSC Napoli update - Thursday 27 March 2008

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has sent out the following information to media today:

WORK TO REMOVE STERN OF MSC NAPOLI TO START IN MAY

Work to remove the remaining section of MSC Napoli from Lyme Bay will begin in early May 2008. The remaining part of the stern section of the vessel remains aground in Lyme Bay with a list of 40° to starboard.

Shaped explosives will be used to remove the propeller, the rudder, and to cut the propeller shaft. They will also be used to weaken the structure of the main engine to assist its removal. The aft section will then be systematically removed. The whole operation is expected to take roughly five months. SOSREP (Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention) has made the decision to cut up the remaining section and take it away in small pieces, rather than removing it in larger pieces, following analysis of all options available. The option to cut the remaining section into smaller pieces is preferable since there could be issues with anchoring and cutting through the main engine and propeller shafting if the stern were cut up into larger pieces.

A pollution control plan will be in place throughout the entire operation. Following removal from the site, material will be transhipped to Holland for recycling. On completion a full underwater survey will be carried out to ensure that the seabed has been cleared of all recoverable debris from the MSC Napoli.

Throughout the winter, weather permitting, contractors have been conducting an inspection of the wreck, in daylight, on a fortnightly basis. When on site they have been checking for any change in status of the wreck and any evidence of pollution. They have also been recording photographs showing the status of the wreck. Inspections have been co-ordinated with periodical aerial inspections which have been carried out by MCA surveillance aircraft.

The Napoli' s owners also have a response team from DRS, based in Branscombe, who have been monitoring the wreck and the Branscombe area daily. They have been patrolling and clearing any material which may have originated from MSC Napoli from all beaches in the Lyme Bay area.

Despite periods of severe weather over the last few weeks there is still no change in the status of the wreck.

MSC Napoli Update - Thursday 20 March

Materials washed overboard from the MSC Napoli continue to wash ashore. Storms and poor sea conditions generally last week have brought an increased volume of material to the shoreline, in response to which East Devon District Council has released the following press release to media today, reminding the public to remain vigilant.

YOU CAN LOOK, BUT PLEASE DON'T TOUCH - WARNING TO VISITORS

The ship grounded off the East Devon coast is about to spend her second Easter as a talking point for visitors to Sidmouth and Branscombe.

The hulk that is the stern section of the stricken MSC Napoli still sits stubbornly on the seabed off Branscombe - while her presence and the continuing debris caused by her lost cargo are the subject of warnings for boat-owners and beach-users.

Fishing boat skippers and boating enthusiasts have been reminded that the 500-metre exclusion zone around the stern section is still in force and that they should not be tempted to stray nearer to the hull.

Meanwhile, residents and visitors who are out for a stroll on the beach- and the hardier ones who may be tempted to go for a dip or a paddle - are being advised to watch out for items of the Napoli's cargo, which are still being washed up on the coastline.

Councillor Graham Liverton, East Devon District Council's Portfolio Holder Environment, who is responsible for the care of EDDC's beaches, said: "The Easter holidays will hopefully see the usual early influx of visitors to our beautiful Jurassic coastline.

Talking point

"The Napoli is still a talking point as she sits a few hundred metres off the low water line. We want people to remember that the ship is a danger to shipping and that vessels of all sizes should keep well clear of her. "Contractors working for the ship's owners are still on site at Branscombe, where there is a compound for storing debris washed ashore. The recent storms have seen a good deal of debris washed up all along the coastline - from Dorset through to South Devon - as far afield as Brixham.

"We want people to continue enjoying the beaches, but please watch out for items of the Napoli's cargo that may have come ashore on the last high tide and have not yet been collected by the salvage teams.

"The debris ranges from plastic BMW car parts to shampoo bottles and medical supplies - including some hypodermic syringes and needles. The needles should be in plastic sheaths, but some have been turning up recently without the sheath attached.

"We would advise people to wear shoes or sandals when walking on the beach, or when bathing. If anyone spots clusters of debris or the occasional needle on the beach, they should report it at once to our Napoli Easter Helpline (01395 516 854) and we will arrange for the salvage teams to collect it".

MSC Napoli update - Wednesday 5 March 2008

A Devon County Council-led local public inquiry into the beaching of the MSC Napoli off the East Devon coast in January 2007 has officially begun.

The Council is encouraging local authorities, Government departments and agencies, businesses and landowners, communities, their elected representatives, environmental and conservation bodies, the general public and any interested party to contribute their views throughout the spring.

Specially designed webpages are now live on Devon County Council's website for people to contribute their comments to the inquiry. The pages include background to the incident, details about he inquiry, and a response form.

Inquiry response packs are also available from libraries, local government offices, schools, town and parish councils, and local County Councillors. People can also request response packs from the Council's Inquiry coordinating office on 01392 380101.

And the Council's Community Roadshow vehicle, which attends local events across Devon, will be visiting Branscombe, Beer, Seaton and Sidmouth in coming weeks to provide a further opportunity for people to submit contributions. Dates and locations for these visits are to be confirmed.

The purpose of the inquiry is to learn lessons to inform local and national contingency plans to minimise the potential for an incident similar to the MSC Napoli reoccurring, and for authorities to be better prepared to minimise any impact of future incidents.

The evidence gathering is the first stage of the inquiry. All the evidence will be catalogued and prepared pending appointment of an independent Chairman and Committee of Inquiry later in the year, who may also invite witnesses to recount or expand upon their written submissions at subsequent hearings in public.

Findings of the Committee will be made public and shared locally and nationally with Ministers.

Invited representatives from a range of local authorities, organisations, and businesses, showed their support and attended the launch ceremony in Branscombe yesterday.

Councillor Brian Greenslade, the Leader of Devon County Council said: "The purpose of this inquiry is to learn any lessons that better prepare contingency plans in future. To do that we would like to hear the views from people in the local communities affected, and from the range of businesses and organisations who have had an involvement with the incident.

"We've made contributing to the inquiry as easy as possible, in different formats to encourage as many people as we can to take part."

For more information about the local inquiry, contact the Inquiry Coordinating Office on 01392 380101.

NOTE TO NEWS EDITORS

Councillor Brian Greenslade can be contacted on 01271 372065.

MSC Napoli update - 7 February 2008

DEVON County Council's Executive has agreed the terms of reference for conducting an Inquiry in public into the beaching of the MSC Napoli in Lyme Bay last year, and subsequent events.

A period of evidence gathering will begin toward the end of this month, inviting local authorities, Government departments and agencies, businesses and landowners, communities, their elected representatives, environmental and conservation bodies, the general public and any interested party to contribute their views throughout the Spring.

There will a number of ways that people can contribute to the Inquiry:

The Council will design a dedicated webpage for submissions online;
Inquiry Response Packs will also be made as widely available as possible from, for example, libraries, local government offices, schools, town and parish councils and local members, for anyone who wishes to make a submission in writing;
The Council's Community Roadshow vehicle, which attends local events, will provide a further opportunity for people and organisations to submit their contributions to the Inquiry.

All evidence will be catalogued and prepared pending appointment of an independent chairman and committee of Inquiry. The chairman and committee may also invite witnesses to recount or expand upon their written submissions at subsequent hearings in public.

Devon County Council Chief Executive Phil Norrey said: "The events of the past week elsewhere bring home to us that this isn't just about the Napoli as a one-off incident. This is about the genuine issue of the impact of shipping on the coastline of Devon. We are looking to conduct the inquiry later this year when the salvage operation will have been substantially completed. Whilst there is no doubt that the courageous work of the salvage team prevented a catastrophic pollution incident, there remains a major question as to why the Napoli came to be grounded off the East Devon coast; one of the most environmentally sensitive in the world. The focus of the inquiry will be to ensure a similar incident can't happen in future."

Councillor Brian Greenslade, Leader of Devon County Council, said: "This has been a worrying incident and I'm glad we as an authority are doing as we promised with this inquiry. We have been very lucky, especially as this is our most sensitive coastline, and although it's taken longerthan we thought it's time to get going. There are serious questions that need answering and recent incidents show this is of concern to us here in Devon. The public inquiry into Foot and Mouth in 2001 was very much a sign of Devon County Council performing its leadership role and I'm sure we can do another good job for our community in respect of this."

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Executive Member for Environment and local Branscombe resident, said: "This event has touched the lives of people in Branscombe and communities along the Jurassic coastline of Devon. It is right that the County Council as a community leader provides an opportunity for people to share their views and experiences arising from the beaching of the Napoli, so that we can help ensure that incidents like these do not happen in the future and if, regrettably, any do occur then everyone would be better prepared to deal with such an emergency."

The County Council gained support from neighbouring District and County Councils to lead an independent Inquiry, following the Government's decision last year not to do so. The Inquiry will follow a similar process to the County Council-led Inquiry into the Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2001; recommendations and lessons learned from that Inquiry were also adopted in national contingency plans.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Brian Greenslade, 01271 372065.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.

MSC Napoli update - Thursday 15 November 2007

Preparatory work on board the stern is progressing well. The aim is still to have removed the vessel from Lyme Bay by the end of April 2008.

Barges, cutting equipment and specialist contractors from SMIT are working around the clock. As of this morning, the final section of the 4 tonne accommodation block has been cut and removed. Hold No.7 has been patched and prepared to store scrap before removal by barge, which is estimated to arrive next week. There is sufficient storage space within the hold to allow operations to continue at pace, before the scrap barge arrives on site. Scrap material will be taken for recycling.

The stern has required some degree of counter balance to facilitate the work, and with the placement of scrap within the hold, the list has reduced from 4.5 degrees to 3 degrees.

Counter pollution measures will remain in place until the stern has been removed.

Onshore, contractors DRS continue to maintain the coastline, removing any material washing ashore. There have been no sightings of oil onshore or offshore, but materials are still washing up with every tide. 4 to 5 tonnes of material was collected from the beach after the most recent storms. DRS contractors are working every day and will be working right through Christmas and the New Year. It is expected that the onshore Contractors will remain tasked for a period of time after the stern has been removed.

MSC Napoli update Friday 26 October

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, in a report today by the Sidmouth Herald, has explained that removal of the stern will happen in two stages.

Fred Caygill of the MCA said: "The first stage will involve equipment arriving, probably starting next week, to cut the accommodation block off and that will then be taken to an approved recycling site. The first stage will take about 60 days and will probably be finished by January. The remaining part of the ship will stay until March when, once again large plant equipment will be used to cut the stern up.

"It will probably be about a 12 day operation that will see the remains of the Napoli gone in March time. Then a full sonar scan of the site will be carried out. Divers and the usual contractors will do a sweep of the seabed to remove any remaining items."

MSC Napoli Update - Thursday 6 September

Recovery of materials from the seabed continues.

While lead agencies continue planning the removal of the stern of the MSC Napoli from Lyme Bay, contractors DRS, employed by the ship's owners to clean up the East Devon beaches, are still recovering debris.

Divers are working in four key areas close to shore where sonar has identified concentrations of debris, between Littlecombe and Sherbourne Rocks near Beer Head.

Last week divers, with the vessel Terramare, recovered engines, container parts, car panels and other car parts washed overboard within containers when the incident first occurred.

The Terramare is bringing the material into the DRS compound on Branscombe beach for recycling and onward removal.

9 containers, of the original 2,300 on the vessel, remain unaccounted for, although using the ship's manifest, the authorities know that their contents are non hazardous.

Meanwhile, Zodiac, the ship's owners, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Dutch salvage contractors SMIT are working towards removal of the stern, weather depending and with all the preparations completed, hopefully in November.

Devon County Council's Executive Member for the Environment, and resident of Branscombe, Cllr Margaret Rogers, said: "We've had our worries about oil coming ashore, in however little quantity, but I'm pleased that that seems to be largely behind us now. I'm also pleased with the ongoing work to bring back to shore submerged materials.

"Last week DRS filled three 40 foot skips with material to remove and the operation is going well while the weather remains fine. For their continued presence we have the ship's owners to thank, and we're grateful for that while the vessel remains in the Bay and while there's material still to come ashore as the weather worsens."

MSC Napoli Update - Thursday 30 August 2007

Councils and other agencies involved in the clean-up operation along the East Devon coastline have welcomed news that the contractors carrying out much of the work will stay on site at least until the stern section is removed.

In the meantime, there have been no further reports of oil coming ashore from the ship and so salvage teams have been concentrating on carting away moderate quantities of inert waste from the ship. This consists mainly of plastic and metal car parts, as well as chunks of container.

Official confirmation is still awaited from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency that a contract has been agreed for removal of the stern section. However, it seems likely that the remaining part of the hull will be floated onto a barge and transported to an as yet unnamed salvage port, towards the end of the year.

Councillor Graham Liverton, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder Environment, said: We believe that the remaining part of the ship is likely to be carted away by the end of November. We understand that the DRS contractors will remain on site until that time.

We welcome this news, as it means that the same teams of experts we have been working with over the past several months will continue to deal with any wreckage or other material washed up from the Napoli.

We are extremely appreciative of the good offices of the ship’s owners and their insurers in agreeing to continue supporting the salvage operation, which is very public spirited of them”.

His words were echoed by Andrew Borman, Devon County Council’s Emergency Planning Officer, who said: I am sure all of us who are involved in dealing with this operation and who care about the environment are grateful that it’s possible for the DRS salvage teams to stay on site at Branscombe, ready to fan out along the coastline in response to reports of either oil or cargo from the Napoli.

They have been finding quantities of car parts about 30 metres below the low water line and these have been collected by divers and are now aboard the Terramare ready for disposal”.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, some 10 tonnes of inert waste from the ship were washed up at Beer, Seaton and Branscombe. These were collected by DRS staff and taken to the compound at Branscombe.

A further quantity - around 12 tonnes - of car parts and other items from the Napoli that were retrieved by divers below the water-line have been taken aboard the salvage ship Terramare.

MSC Napoli Update - Wednesday 15 August 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

The bow of the MSC Napoli arrived at Belfast yesterday for final transit into the Harland and Wolff ship yard, where the vessel will be recycled.

Tenders have been received for the removal of the ship's stern, and a decision will be made and contract awarded as soon as tenders have been evaluated.

Oil ashore has been reported at Seaton, Branscombe and Sidmouth, although the quantities are small. Contractors are working hard to minimise the impact and where appropriate are recovering it or assisting with its natural dispersal. In Seaton for example, oiled shingle is being drawn back into the surf to effectively wash it.

This process is proving very successful and is the recommended best method of dealing with this sort of pollution. Elsewhere, contractors are using absorbant materials to manually lift oil from rocks.

The local County Councillor for Seaton, Cllr Margaret Rogers has reported her concerns and those of others about oil on the town's beach, but has added that she is full of admiration for the contractors and that she is glad that the clean up is in hand.

East Devon District Council has posted more signs giving detailedinformation about the beach recovery, in Seaton, Branscombe and Sidmouth. There is now more detailed information concerning the incident generally, plus specifically about oil recovery options, on East Devon District Council's website.

MSC Napoli Update - Thursday 9 August 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

The bow section of the MSC Napoli has commenced passage to Belfast Harbour, where it will eventually be dismantled at the Harland and Wolff dry dock.

The tow commenced at 1600BST today from Lyme Bay and the passage will take approximately 5 days, weather dependant. When the bow section reaches waters off Cloghan Point in Belfast Lough, it is expected to remain at a holding position before entering the Harbour on Friday 17th August 2007.

The Secretary of State's Representative in Maritime Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP) is on board the tug Anglian Earl for the passage. He will be joined for the entry into the harbour by David Carlisle, Marine Casualty Officer from the MCA Belfast office.

The owners and salvors have worked closely with environmental experts (including those from the Northern Ireland Environment and Heritage Service) to ensure that everything possible has been done to clean and strip the bow section of any potentially harmful substances and organisms. It is now substantially cleaner than most of the ships that routinely operate in Belfast Lough during the course of daily business.

The Portland Salvage Control Unit will be demobilised tomorrow afternoon (Friday 10 August) and reconvened at Belfast Coastguard on Monday 13 August.

Coastguard Stations en route will receive daily reports at 12:00 and information will be distributed.

MSC Napoli Update - Wednesday 8 August 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

The MCA has confirmed that the bow section of the vessel is scheduled to be towed away from the World Heritage coastline off East Devon late tomorrow.

The bow of the container ship, which is currently moored off Sidmouth, is expected to be towed by a tug over a period of five days to the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast for recycling.

Contracts are under discussion for the final removal of the stern of the container ship, which is currently grounded on the seabed half a mile off of Sidmouth.

Image of successful split of MSC Napoli on Friday 20 July

20 July 2007

Operations to break the hull of the MSC Napoli in two were finally successful on Friday, 20 July.

MSC Napoli Update - Tuesday 17 July 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

Cutting charges were detonated on the deck of the vessel today, at 1410 BST, to separate the ship into two pieces. All the cutting charges were successfully detonated and deck plates have separated, leaving just the vessel's longitudinal joists keeping the vessel in one piece. Tugs are being used to maintain opposing stresses on the structure with the hope that the vessel will finally break in two.

If that does not work, it is expected that a second detonation operation, to take place tomorrow, will be needed to cut through the vessel's longitudinal joists. Tugs should then be able to pull the vessel gently in two.

There are still no final decisions about the fate of the ship. Once the vessel is in two pieces, the bow will be towed a distance out to sea and anchored, pending further decision.

A 1000 metre exclusion zone was in force for the operation, which included a stretch of the coast path along the top of the cliffs.

Footpaths are now reopened, but the exclusion will be in force again tomorrow (Wednesday) should the operation be repeated.

Counter Pollution experts are on site to monitor the situation, and the authorities are ready to deploy booms or use dispersants if necessary. Today's windy weather and choppy seas have helped the natural break up of pollutant in the sea.

A decision will be made after assessment tomorrow whether a second detonation operation is necessary.

MSC Napoli Update - Friday 13 July 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

The MSC Napoli currently remains in one piece.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has reported a small quantity of residual oil from the vessel, which is being monitored by contractors who are liaising with landowners and local authorities. Salvage teams have been cleaning up patches of oil on Branscombe beach.

High water is expected at 18:44 this evening.

East Devon District Council has released the following information to media:

FOLLOWING the re-beaching of the MSC Napoli off Branscombe on Thursday evening, East Devon District Council will be keeping a close watching brief over the weekend as efforts are made to extend the split in the hull so that the ship separates into two sections.

A relatively small amount of residual oil was reported to have leaked from the crippled container ship on Friday and salvage teams were busy cleaning up patches of oil on Branscombe beach and will if necessary spray dispersants on the water.

During Friday, the salvage teams working with the Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention and the MCA redoubled their efforts to ensure that the ship breaks up under controlled conditions.

Once the hull is in two sections, experts believe it should prove easier to handle the remainder of the salvage operation.

EDDC officials are working with colleagues in the National Trust – owners of Branscombe beach – and with the Environment Agency to ensure that the impact on wildlife, the environment and the local economy is minimised.

A spokesman for EDDC said: “We share the concern expressed by the National Trust that nothing should be allowed to happen that will harm the environment of this special piece of coastline. That is why we are working closely with other agencies to monitor the situation. We are however confident that the experts have the situation under control”.

East Devon District Council has issued the following press release (12 July 2007) in response to the news that MSC Napoli is to re-beached

THE Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention, Robin Middleton today (Thursday) decided to re-beach the 'MSC Napoli' on the evening high tide.

Mr Middleton said, "The wreck is in a worse state of deterioration than previously thought, with the crack of the hull being some 3 metres wide in places and is therefore incapable of being towed.”

Commenting on news that the Napoli is to be re-grounded, a spokesman for East Devon District Council said: “We are naturally disappointed that the ship cannot be towed away in one piece and soon.

“However, we appreciate that the Secretary of State’s Representative had no choice but to bring the ship back closer to shore, given the fragile condition of the hull.

“We will be renewing our close working partnership with all of the agencies that have been involved in this incident since the very early days to ensure that the salvage process goes as smoothly as possible and with minimal disruption to the economy and everyday life of the district.

“Our major concerns as we enter this new phase of the operation are that the shoreline and wildlife are protected and that any impact on the livelihoods of fishermen and the tourist industry is minimised. We will of course be monitoring the situation closely, but we would add that we have every faith in the expertise and professionalism of the MCA and their excellent salvage team to ensure that any possible threat of pollution is tackled promptly and effectively.

“We must accept that the Napoli is not yet ready to leave East Devon’s shores and that she may now be here for some time to come. The upside of this news is that she will continue to be a source of interest for locals and visitors alike as they look out to sea from our beaches during the coming summer holiday and possibly beyond”.

MSC Napoli Update - Tuesday 3 July 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

Further meetings are planned this week to discuss the removal of the wreck.

Despite adverse weather at the weekend, the vessel remains relatively stable, although some damage has occurred to the starboard side hatch cover to Number 7 Hold. This will be replaced, with preventative measures taken to avoid further damage.

Skimming is continuing as required in the engine room, passageway and holds.

Gas oil sheen was reported on Saturday by a member of the public at Littlecombe Shoot. This was investigated and the sheen was found to be dispersing naturally. There was no oil reaching the shoreline. There is no evidence to suggest that the oil came from the Napoli.

The dredger MANNIN, expected to help with the recovery of submerged items from the side of the vessel, has been temporarily weather bound in Dartmouth.

MSC Napoli Update - Friday 29 June 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

Preparations to remove the wreck have continued this week, but there is still no confirmation of a date.

The Secretary of State's Representative, Robin Middleton, has met with the vessel owners and officials to discuss the fate of the ship, but no final decision has been made. Further meetings are planned.

MSC Napoli Update - 26 June 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

Preparations to refloat the vessel are continuing, although with some necessary permissions yet to be granted a final date for refloat has not yet been released.

The fate of the ship will be discussed at further meetings this week with the Secretary of State's Representative, Robin Middleton.

Dive teams have been checking patches, and newly identified cracks in Number 5 hold are being sealed. Sealing work is also in operation in the steering gear room.

Skimming is continuing as required in the engine room, passageway and holds.

There have been no new reports of oil at sea or on shore. The dredger MANNIN is due to arrive on 28 June from Padstow, which will recover submerged items from the starboard side and take them to Portland Port.

Divers over the weekend located and recovered some car parts at Kimmeridge.

Beach patrols are continuing.

MSC Napoli Update - Monday 18 June 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has confirmed that contrary to media reports last Friday, no date has been set yet to refloat the MSC Napoli. MCA spokesperson, Mark Clark, said: "Necessary permissions have yet to be given, so we can't confirm at this stage what the date for a refloat will be. Plans for the removal and disposal will need express permission from a number of Government Departments and agencies."

In the meantime, patching work is continuing and tests are being made in preparation for a refloat.

Skimming is continuing to remove residual oil from the surface of the water within the hull.

Operations to process containers at Portland is continuing.

There have been no reports at sea or on shore of oil. Some small items are washing ashore with the tide, and these are being dealt with routinely.

Scientists from the Environment Agency and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) have taken water samples for testing.

MSC Napoli update - Monday 4 June 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

Patching in Number 5 hold is now complete. Salvage crew are patching in Number 4 hold and sealing doors in the passage ways. Skimming of oil in Number 6 hold continues. Operations at Portland Port are continuing.

There are no reports of oil at sea or on shore. Divers have recovered car parts, and contractors onshore have recovered medical goods from West Bay.

No decision has been made yet about how the vessel will finally be disposed of. Further meetings are yet to be held before a decision is made.

It is likely that sunken containers, that are alongside the MSC Napoli, will be recovered after the vessel has been disposed of.

MSC Napoli Update - Tuesday 29 May 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

Bad weather on Monday suspended all activity on the MSC Napoli. Oil was still be skimmed from the engine room.

Operations continue at Portland Port.

No reports of oil or containers at sea or on shore.

No decision has been made yet about how the vessel will be disposed of, although it is likely to be refloated and towed away. The Environment Agency and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquiculture Science (CEFAS) have asked for notice for the refloat to enable them to plan further water tests.

17 May 2007

Press release issued by East Devon District Council

Napoli: Last container is taken off stranded ship

DEVON authorities have applauded the work of the salvage crew onboard the stricken MSC Napoli as the last of the 2,318 containers is lifted from the vessel today (Thursday), well ahead of schedule.

The Secretary of State’s Representative (SOSRep), Robin Middleton, will now turn his attention to removal of the vessel itself and is considering a number of options for its disposal.

Devon authorities including Devon County Council, East Devon District Council and the Environment Agency have welcomed news of reaching this significant milestone.

Councillor Mike Green, who represents Beer and Branscombe on East Devon District Council, said: “I cannot speak too highly of the professionalism and dedication shown by the unseen heroes of this whole operation – the salvage crews.

“This incident had the potential to cause major problems for the tourism and fishing industry along the East Devon coastline. In the event, people’s worst fears were never realised.

“It would be fair to say that we have been lucky in that the wind and tides have been kind to us, but that does not detract in any way from the superb job the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have done, but in particular the salvage teams.

“Of course there are still some containers on the sea-bed and I would hope that we can rely on the continuing assistance of salvage teams to clear any debris that may be washed ashore in the coming weeks and months”.

Brave work

Councillor Margaret Rogers, DevonCounty’s Executive Member for Environment and local resident of Branscombe said: “This is excellent news and our thanks are extended to the hard work, and brave work, of the salvage crew who have executed the onboard recovery operations so well.

“The events that unfolded just four months ago have served to remind us how vulnerable and precious our environment is and also how important it is to our economy. Events could have been disastrous but weren’t, thanks to their work, and that of all the agencies involved with the recovery.

“In many ways this has been a test case where the focus has been on containers rather than oil pollution. We believe that lessons can be taken from this incident to help inform and influence contingency plans for future incidents.”

Giles Bryan of the Environment Agency, said: “During the last four months we have been monitoring water quality around the Napoli and across LymeBay to ensure the local environment is not being polluted. We will continue to do this work until any risk of pollution has receded”.

SOSRep Robin Middleton is looking at a number of options for disposal of the vessel including dismantling in its current location or to dismantle the stern and re-float the bow to be towed to an onshore site for recycling.

Another option for consideration is for the vessel to be towed to a deep sea location and sunk, although this would require a number of permissions before it would be deemed acceptable.

MSC Napoli Update - Tuesday 15 May

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

There is no change to the vessel's condition.

Divers are continuing to patch the hold.

Container removal operations are continuing. There are approximately 70 containers left on board the vessel.

The MSC Grace left Portland Port yesterday with a shipment of containers for Le Havre.

Water sampling is continuing with samples submitted to the Environment Agency.

There have been no new reports of oil at sea or on shore.

Investigations were made yesterday into reports of floating plywood boards, and similar boards pulled clear of the high water mark.

MSC Napoli Update - Friday 11 May 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

130 containers remain on board the vessel as of 17:00 yesterday.

Specialist pumps are being organised in Rotterdam to assist with operations to re-float the vessel. These will hopefully arrive in the UK in a week to 10 days time, although no plan has been agreed yet for how the vessel will be re-floated.

Skimming of oil from the engine room, port side and Number 6 hold is continuing. Salvers have been patching and repairing the hull in Number 5 hold. Work is progressing well.

Water samples continue to be taken and tested from the holds of the vessel.

The MSC Grace is expected to arrive at Portland Port today to transfer another shipment of containers to Le Havre.

The Health Protection Agency has followed up the story that vodka was stolen from a container at Portland Port (as reported in media yesterday). There were concerns that the vodka may be contaminated, and Dorset Police issued a warning urging 'anyone who has bought a bottle of vodka from a man in the Weymouth area not to drink it." The advice from the Salvage Control Unit to the Health Protection Agency is that the vodka has been tested and found in good condition. However, no known vodka has left the site. The containers with the vodka are being loaded onto the MSC Grace.

Contractors are responding to reports of fruit juice cartons washing ashore at Branscombe.

MSC Napoli Update - Wednesday 9 May 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

The weather forecast today is for southwesterly winds possibly reaching gale 8, with rain or drizzle or showers. Sea conditions are moderate or rough.

There has been no noticeable change in the condition of the vessel.

Skimming of oil from the hold is continuing. High winds yesterday impeded the container lifting operation for a few hours, but the removal of containers did commence late afternoon and is continuing again today despite poor weather conditions.

Arrival of the MSC Grace to Portland has been delayed due to congestion problems at Antwerp and is now scheduled to arrive on 11 May to transfer processed containers on to Le Havre. Arrangements are being made at Portland to manage the high volume of containers in storage.

There have been no new reports of oil at sea or on shore. A small number of polystyrene pellets floating in water around PortlandPort have been collected. A fisherman has recovered a container side panel, which will be identified so long as the identification number is available.

Poor weather yesterday also hampered diving work to locate other submerged containers.

A meeting is planned for Friday this week between the ship's owners and the Chairman of the Environment Group to discuss the environmental impact of the removal of the ship.

Devon County Council has released the following press release today concerning a meeting of the Devon Maritime Forum this Friday to discuss the Government's Marine Bill White Paper:

Devon Maritime Forum to discuss Marine Bill

THE Devon Maritime Forum will meet with Defra officials to discuss the Government's Marine Bill White Paper on Friday (11 May).

The Forum has invited Defra's head of the Marine Bill team to the meeting at the Riviera Centre, Torquay, to find out what current Government thinking is and to try to help guide the legislation.

The publication of the Marine Bill White Paper will set out new legislation covering planning in the marine environment, licensing of development activity, marine nature conservation, fisheries and a new "Marine Management Organisation".

Professor Laurence Mee, Chairman of the Devon Maritime Forum and Director of the University of Plymouth's Marine Institute, said: "The Marine Bill is the single most important piece of legislation to come forward that affects the marine environment.

"The beaching of the Napoli emphasises the vulnerability of our marine environment. It is vital that we have our say locally. Our Devon Maritime Forum meeting welcomes the opportunity to speak directly to Defra on the Marine Bill."

Also on the agenda at the meeting is the beaching of the MSC Napoli, planning in LymeBay, the maritime economy in Torbay, Marine Protected Areas - The Finding Sanctuary Project and Shoreline Management Plans.

The Forum is supported by Devon County Council, Environment Agency, Natural England, South West Water, Devon Wildlife Trust, National Trust and University of Plymouth.

MSC Napoli update 27 April 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

Around 300 containers remain on board and operations to remove them are going well. Authorities are confident that this part of the operation will be completed much sooner than first anticipated. Once all the containers are off the vessel, then a decision will be made about how the vessel will be removed - whether it can be refloated or cut up and removed.

Skimming of oil from the surface of the water in the engine room and Number 6 Hold is continuing.

Water samples taken from within the vessel have not identified anything of concern. The Environment Agency is continuing to routinely sample water from locations along the coastline.

Container processing at Portland Port continues.

There have been no new reports of oil at sea or on shore.

Container parts have been located below the low water spring mark off Branscombe, which are being recovered.

MSC Napoli update 13 April 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

Operations are continuing to remove containers from below deck of the vessel; to skim oil from the engine room and Number 6 Hold; to process containers at PortlandPort, and onward transfer.

Overflight reconnaisance has reported light patchy sheen around the vessel only, which is normal.

Oily debris at Beachy Head has been disposed of by contractors and the local authority.

Divers have collected engine parts and other heavy items from the seabed which will be removed and disposed of.

Members of the multi agency Environment Group are considering options for removing the ballast water aboard the vessel.

MSC Napoli update 10 April 2007

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

Skimming of oil from Number 6 hold and the engine room is continuing. The amount of oil has reduced quite considerably.

The crane barge has continued to remove containers from below deck and work is progressing steadily.

The shuttle barge Viking V has transferred containers for processing to PortlandPort.

There have been no new reports of oil at sea. Oiled debris washed ashore at Chezil beach at the weekend has been dealt with.

Water sampling is continuing, with nothing to report.

MSC Napoli update 3 April 2007

BRANSCOMBE BEACH RE-OPENS AT LAST

The National Trust owned beach at Branscombe in East Devon is set to fully re-open from 4pm this Thursday (5 April) for the first time since the MSC Napoli was beached off its shores in January this year. The beach which has been managed and cleaned by contractors for the majority of the last eleven weeks is now deemed to be ready to welcome visitors back in time for Easter paddling.

Stuart Britton, National Trust Area Warden for East Devon hosted a micro-beach clean for the local community last Sunday (April 1) and was pleased to see that the litter being collected was for the most part small pieces of plastic and polystyrene. He explained that: “Following the help given by villagers last weekend, we had a meeting with the contractors and walked the beach this Tuesday - we collected only a handful of litter over a 500 yard stretch. We feel that with care and diligence visitors should be able to use the beach safely now.

We are not discounting the likelihood of further materials coming onto the beach following high winds or bad weather but are giving clear guidance to visitors as to what to do with any debris they might find on the beach. We have positioned dumpy bags at the entrance to the beach and the telephone numbers of the agencies and contractors handling various aspects of the beach clean (oiled birds, hazardous looking waste etc) are given out on posters positioned at the beach entrance and at car parks.

We hope visitors will come and enjoy this breathtaking stretch of Jurassic Coast and maybe down a pint of “Napoli’s on the Rocks” which has been brewed by Branscombe Brewery (which operates out of a converted National Trust barn in the village) and is available at the two village pubs.”

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

The vessel remains in the same stable condition.

The operation to remove oil from the surface of the water in Number 6 Hold and the engine room is continuing and is nearing completion.

The crane barge, Big Foot is on its way back to Portland Port to unload containers for processing.

The recovery operation is progressing well with no new reports of oil at sea or ashore.

Highway restrictions were lifted last week in Branscombe, to reopen the road to traffic from the Masons Arms to the beach car park.

Devon County Council has released the following press release to media today:

Coastpath at Branscombe back on track

Path 1

The South West Coast Path near the village of Branscombe is returning to its normal route - in time for the Easter holiday.

Three temporary diversions had been in place following the grounding of the MSC Napoli just offshore. The last of these has now been lifted, allowing visitors and residents to enjoy the spectacular scenery and spring wildflowers of the Under Hooken landslip. The official route of the Coast Path goes through this old, and now stable, landslip with its dramatic rock pinnacles.

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, Devon County Council Executive Member for Economy, Strategic Planning and Regional Affairs, said: “It’s terrific news that the footpath will return to its usual route in time for the Easter holidays. The coast path is an asset which attracts many people and it’s great for the local economy that it will be business as usual at an important time. With good weather forecast and the annual influx of visitors expected it will be good to see that businesses in Branscombe will be able to welcome people over the coming holiday."

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "This is further proof that Branscombe is getting back to normal and a relief that it is in time for the Easter holiday. The ending of the diversion will be a welcome boost for the village, its residents and businesses as well as for visitors who will be travelling to the area for a short break."

A circular walk between Beer and Branscombe using the re-opened section of Coast Path is among nearly 60 routes described in full on the official South West Coast Path website, www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southwestcoastpath. Walks on all areas of the Coast Path can be downloaded complete with a map - the perfect answer for an Easter excursion for all the family.

The South West Coast Path is a National Trail created and mainly funded by Natural England and managed by highway authorities and the National Trust. It follows the coast for 630 miles (1014 km) from Minehead in Somerset to the shores of PooleHarbour in Dorset and is looked after by approximately 65 dedicated on-the-ground managers, who work to provide a route that meets National Trail Quality Standards.

There are 15 National Trails in England and Wales. These long distance routes offer liberating and rewarding natural adventures and are the nation's favourite walks and rides through the finest and most varied landscapes in the country.

The South West Coast Path Team co-ordinates the management and marketing of the South West Coast Path.

It is estimated that the South West Coast Path is worth around £300 million pounds to the region's economy (2003).

Residents living in the four counties of Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset take around 23 million walks on the South West Coast Path every year.

MSC Napoli update 27 March 2007

SEAWARD

The Environment Group assigned to the recovery of the MSC Napoli has confirmed that operations to remove containers from the vessel are now well over half way. 43% of the original 2,318 containers are left, and the removal is going well.

853 containers have been removed from the deck; so far 353 containers have been removed from below deck - this operation is continuing; 88 containers have been recovered from the sea and the shoreline; 26 containers are submerged (some located, some remain unlocated, but the containers have been identified so contents are known to the authorities); there are 998 containers remaining below deck.

The crane barge, Big Foot, which is removing the containers from the vessel, now needs to be modified to enable it to lift heavier containers with a longer reach. Many of the containers are now heavier having become waterlogged. The removal operation will be suspended in the next few days to allow for the necessary modifications to Big Foot.

Clean containers (checked and processed) have been transferred onward from PortlandPort on the MSC Grace to Le Havre, the nearest large container port that can accommodate the cargo.

The MSC Napoli remains stable with no change to its condition.

The skimming of oil from the engine room and Number 6 Hold continues.

The Centre for Fisheries and Aqualculture Science and the Environment Agency are studying water samples taken from the vessel's hold.

Portland Port recovery teams continue to process the latest arrival of containers from the MSC Napoli.

Divers were unable to work over the weekend due to the height of the swell.

The sonar vessels are continuing their explorations to locate submerged containers.

The authorities have issued an invitation to tender for the removal of the wreck, with a closing date of the 4th April.

ONSHORE

There have been no reports of oil ashore.

Small quantities of debris are being collected from the beaches.

OTHER

East Devon District Council has distributed the following press notice to media today:

The tiny village of Branscombe has bounced back from the recent setbacks caused by a beached cargo ship and has turned the incident into a commercial winner!

The village's Branscombe Vale Brewery has launched a special ale in celebration of the stricken MSC Napoli - called appropriately enough Napoli's On The Rocks. And the beer is already a favourite with local drinkers.

With Easter just around the corner and East Devon's beaches looking great again after numerous public litter-picks, pubs in the area are hoping beer lovers will "sink" a few pints and toasting the Napoli with the words "down the hatch".

OLDER NEWS

Below are links to other websites that may also be of interest:

Devon County Council. Please click here for information from Devon County Council.

Environment Agency. Please click here for information from the Environment Agency.

National Trust. Please click here for information from the National Trust.

South West Tourism. Please click here for information from South West Tourism.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Please click here for information from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Any person with any information is asked to contact the following numbers:

East Devon Napoli Information Line: 01395 571700 from 08:30 to 17:00

Environment Agency Incident Hotline: 0800 807060

RSPCA: 0870 5555999

The Maritime And Coastguard Agency: 0870 600 6505