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Ship split after new explosions Ship split after new explosions
(19 minutes later)
A third round of explosives has split a beached container ship in two off the Devon coast.A third round of explosives has split a beached container ship in two off the Devon coast.
Explosions were triggered on the MSC Napoli, off Branscombe, soon after midday on Friday.Explosions were triggered on the MSC Napoli, off Branscombe, soon after midday on Friday.
Previous explosions were carried out on Tuesday and Wednesday which had left the vessel intact.Previous explosions were carried out on Tuesday and Wednesday which had left the vessel intact.
Salvors will be inspecting the damage and tugs positioned at the bow and stern will continue attempts to pull the container ship apart. The stern of the ship will stay on site and be cut up while the bow section could be towed away for recycling in mainland Europe.
The operation was carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).The operation was carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The MSC Napoli's hull is split after the third set of explosions The aim was to break the stern section away from the remainder of the vessel along the line of a huge crack running round the hull. Explosives are detonated on the MSC Napoli's starboard sideToby Stone, head of counter pollution and response at the MCA, said: "We are pleased with the outcome of today's operation, and we now move into the next phase considering options for disposal."
The MSC Napoli has been stranded off Branscombe since it was damaged in a storm in January. He said it was "good news" that the two halves of the ship had detached cleanly, adding there was no chance of re-floating the stern section.
The bow section of the vessel could be towed into deeper water and anchored while it is inspected and sites identified where it could be towed for recycling.
The stern section, including the accommodation block, will be left where it is and will be cut up and recycled. That operation could take about a month.
The MSC Napoli's hull is split after the third set of explosions The MSC Napoli has been stranded off Branscombe since it was damaged in a storm in January.
It had been en route from Antwerp to South Africa when her 26 crew members abandoned ship and were flown to safety.It had been en route from Antwerp to South Africa when her 26 crew members abandoned ship and were flown to safety.
The ship was refloated last week but the results of a diving survey revealed the hull was severely damaged and it was beached again last week.The ship was refloated last week but the results of a diving survey revealed the hull was severely damaged and it was beached again last week.
Now the forward section of the vessel is separated the plan is to tow it into deeper water and anchor it.
Divers will assess its structure and sites will be identified where it could be towed for recycling in mainland Europe.
Explosives are detonated on the MSC Napoli's starboard sideThe stern section, including the accommodation block, will be left where it is and will be cut up and recycled. That operation could take about a month.
An extended exclusion zone on the shore and cliffs at Branscombe was enforced ahead of the explosion, amid fears of debris damage, but the footpaths were later reopened by the police.
East Devon District Council has reminded the public that the beach at Branscombe is open.
Contractors appointed by the vessel's owners have been dealing with oil which has been coming ashore on beaches.Contractors appointed by the vessel's owners have been dealing with oil which has been coming ashore on beaches.
The pollution has prompted concerns by business leaders that it could lead to some holidaymakers cancelling summer bookings for Devon and Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic coast. A large boom was in position to catch any oil which may leak from the vessel in her position about half a mile off Sidmouth on east Devon's World Heritage coast.