MSC Napoli beached off east Devon coast

MSC Napoli beached off Devon coast

After being holed during the storms of Thursday 18th January 2007 the MSC Napoli was to be towed to Portland harbour for repairs. Unfortunately the ships condition deteriorated as more storms swept the area and it was decided by the salvors that the best option was to beach her. As a result the ship was towed to a position off of the east Devon coast and she was beached on a shoal about a mile off shore. The crew of 26 were all rescued during the storms.

MSC Napoli beached off the east Devon coast

The Napoli is now lying just off the east Devon coast near the village of Branscombe or alternatively Weston. Parking is limited but access by foot is good as the South West Coast Path runs along the clifftops. Branscombe beach is now closed to the public after widespread 'beachcombing' by hundreds of people. A wide range of booty was carted off in a few days, including oak casks, perfume, chocolates, cap parts and even BMW motorbikes. Although there has been some oil pollution most of oil stayed on the ship and is being pumped off to a tanker - this is expected to be completed by early February. The latest photos (below) show a large barge with a crane attached that has arrived to start unloading the 2000 containers that remain onboard the Napoli. This is expected to be a slow process due to the angle at which the ship is lying - estimates suggest up to six months to recover the cargo. Around 50/ 100 containers were washed into the sea, some of which have landed on the beach but many more lie submerged between the ship and the shore. .

Photos taken on Sunday 21st January 2007.