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Work begins to refloat MSC Napoli Work begins to refloat MSC Napoli
(30 minutes later)
Work has begun to refloat the stricken container ship MSC Napoli, nearly six months after it was grounded off the Devon coast.Work has begun to refloat the stricken container ship MSC Napoli, nearly six months after it was grounded off the Devon coast.
A barge with winches and cranes, along with tugs and an anti-pollution vessel are at sea off Branscombe.A barge with winches and cranes, along with tugs and an anti-pollution vessel are at sea off Branscombe.
It will take engineers several hours to pump out thousands of tonnes of water. Three days of good weather is needed to complete the entire operation.It will take engineers several hours to pump out thousands of tonnes of water. Three days of good weather is needed to complete the entire operation.
The vessel carrying 2,300 containers was damaged in a storm in January.The vessel carrying 2,300 containers was damaged in a storm in January.
More than 100 containers went overboard and 58 were washed ashore, leading to a scavenging and looting spree.More than 100 containers went overboard and 58 were washed ashore, leading to a scavenging and looting spree.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said that if the operation was successful, the Napoli would be held in Branscombe Bay until a decision was made on its future.The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said that if the operation was successful, the Napoli would be held in Branscombe Bay until a decision was made on its future.
A spokesman said the decision had been taken by the Secretary of State's representative, Robin Middleton, after reviewing the condition of the ship and prevailing weather conditions in Lyme Bay.A spokesman said the decision had been taken by the Secretary of State's representative, Robin Middleton, after reviewing the condition of the ship and prevailing weather conditions in Lyme Bay.
Containers removed
"The decision to refloat the vessel has been made to prevent further deterioration in the structure of the ship and to prevent further damage to the environment," the spokesman said."The decision to refloat the vessel has been made to prevent further deterioration in the structure of the ship and to prevent further damage to the environment," the spokesman said.
Since the decision was made in January to beach the 62,000 tonne vessel, salvors have worked around the clock to remove all of the containers from the stricken ship.
Approximately 150 of them were classed as having potentially hazardous contents.
Of the 200 that went overboard, one contained battery acid and perfumes, and one small gas bottles for car airbags.
Others housed a variety of goods including BMW motorbikes and car parts.