From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

No decision has been made yet about final disposal of the vessel, but the worsening condition of the ship has prompted action this afternoon to take the MSC Napoli back into shallower waters.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has released the following information to media:

Press Notice No: 226_0712 July 2007

MSC NAPOLI TO BE BEACHED ON HIGH TIDE LATE THIS AFTERNOON

The Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention, Robin Middleton working with the MCA, has taken the decision today to re-beach the 'MSC Napoli' at high tide this afternoon.

The vessel will be beached in shallower waters north of where she was originally sitting.

Mr Middleton said, "My decision to re-beach the MSC Napoli was taken following the re-floating of the vessel earlier this week which highlighted the fact that the wreck is in a worse state of deterioration than previously thought, with the crack of the hull being some 3m wide in places. On the basis of these findings, the vessel is incapable of being towed.”