From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS

The purpose of this briefing is to inform all interested parties and local stakeholders of the latest proposals for dealing with the MSC Napoli and to reassure them that the carefully planned operation will progress in a controlled fashion. A separate Press Release is being issued to the Media by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

What are the latest plans?

Plans to deliberately separate the MSC Napoli into two sections on Tuesday 17 July are being discussed as part the overall operation to remove the vessel as quickly and safely as possible.

There is now a 3-metre wide crack running through the hull, with only the ship’s deck plates holding the vessel together.

Because the MSC Napoli cannot be removed in a single piece, authorities now plan to strategically place a cutting charge across the deck, which will enable the vessel to break in two.

This is necessary to make removal easier, although no final decisions have been made yet about how removal will take place.

Will there be any further oil pollution?

All of the ship’s fuel tanks are empty, but there is still some residual oil within its structure. Some pollution has been leaking from the vessel over the weekend and agencies tasked with cleaning up the oil have been dealing with any reported sightings.

It is impossible to be precise about how much residual oil there is within the vessel, but the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and local authorities have plans to minimise and manage further leakage: using booms where possible; dispersants to break up the pollution where necessary, as well as contractors appointed to remove any materials including oil that may wash ashore.

After separation, the stern section will be surrounded with a circular boom and tugs will stand by to spray dispersant on any surface pollutant as required.

How will the deck be broken?

A cutting charge, of a size calculated to break the deck at its weakest point, will be prepared for remote detonation tomorrow (Tuesday 17 July) at a time to be agreed.

This will be done by contractors who are well practised in setting such charges in a way that will maximise the chance of success whilst ensuring that the risk of damage or injury is minimised.

The charge will be positioned and buried on deck to use its force in a downward direction, such that it is unlikely that there will be any projectile material.

The charge will NOT create a large explosion, but there will be a bang and a quantity of smoke. It is not expected that the charge will cause any damage to nearby cliffs or to wildlife.

What safety precautions are being taken?

Apart from the ground exclusion zone (see below) there will be also be an air exclusion zone. A helicopter will provide aerial surveillance of the scene. Bio-degradable foam will be deployed in the hull to reduce the already small risk of fire. Tugs with fire-fighting equipment will be standing by.

How close will spectators be able to get?

A 1000 metre ground exclusion zone will be placed around the vessel as a precaution. This will include a stretch of the coast path along the cliff top. Nearby beach chalets will be evacuated well in advance of the operation. Police and the local authority will be controlling traffic within the village of Branscombe. There will be limited parking near the beach. Once the operation has been completed, these restrictions will be removed.

The Media will be able to film and watch the operation from outside the exclusion zone at Branscombe beach.

How will local businesses be affected?

The impact on local tourism and hospitality businesses in Branscombe should be minimal. The operation to divide the ship should take a relatively short time and if successful life should return to normal shortly afterwards – albeit it with the stern section still aground near Branscombe beach.

Who is doing what in Tuesday’s operation?

The MCA and salvage company are directing the operation on board the Napoli, as well as facilitating Media coverage.

The charges will be set by contractors, working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Police and Local Authority officials will take charge of traffic arrangements in the village, whilst Police will be managing the exclusion zone.

The National Trust are aware and are handling media enquiries about Branscombe beach, which is under their ownership.

East Devon District Council are ensuring that the necessary warning signs are placed on beaches to ensure the public are aware of the risk of oil contamination.

Contractors working for the ship’s owners are checking the beaches regularly and are cleaning up any patches of oil as they are reported. The same contractors will also spray dispersants as and where necessary.

Issued jointly by Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Devon County Council, East Devon District Council and Devon and Cornwall Police.