Materials washed overboard from the MSC Napoli continue to wash ashore.  Storms and poor sea conditions generally last week have brought an increased volume of material to the shoreline, in response to which East Devon District Council has released the following press release to media today, reminding the public to remain vigilant.

THE SHIP grounded off the East Devon coast is about to spend her second Easter as a talking point for visitors to Sidmouth and Branscombe.

The hulk that is the stern section of the stricken MSC Napoli still sits stubbornly on the seabed off Branscombe – while her presence and the continuing debris caused by her lost cargo are the subject of warnings for boat-owners and beach-users.

Fishing boat skippers and boating enthusiasts have been reminded that the 500-metre exclusion zone around the stern section is still in force and that they should not be tempted to stray nearer to the hull.

Meanwhile, residents and visitors who are out for a stroll on the beach – and the hardier ones who may be tempted to go for a dip or a paddle – are being advised to watch out for items of the Napoli’s cargo, which are still being washed up on the coastline.

Councillor Graham Liverton, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder Environment, who is responsible for the care of EDDC’s beaches, said: The Easter holidays will hopefully see the usual early influx of visitors to our beautiful Jurassic coastline.

Talking point

The Napoli is still a talking point as she sits a few hundred metres off the low water line. We want people to remember that the ship is a danger to shipping and that vessels of all sizes should keep well clear of her.

Contractors working for the ship’s owners are still on site at Branscombe, where there is a compound for storing debris washed ashore. The recent storms have seen a good deal of debris washed up all along the coastline – from Dorset through to South Devon – as far afield as Brixham.

We want people to continue enjoying the beaches, but please watch out for items of the Napoli’s cargo that may have come ashore on the last high tide and have not yet been collected by the salvage teams.

The debris ranges from plastic BMW car parts to shampoo bottles and medical supplies – including some hypodermic syringes and needles. The needles should be in plastic sheaths, but some have been turning up recently without the sheath attached.

We would advise people to wear shoes or sandals when walking on the beach, or when bathing. If anyone spots clusters of debris or the occasional needle on the beach, they should report it at once to our Napoli Easter Helpline (01395 516 854) and we will arrange for the salvage teams to collect it”.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Napoli was grounded off Branscombe in January 2007 when storms and heavy seas caused cracks in the hull and fears that the ship would break up, spilling tonnes of oil and hundreds of containers into the Channel.

In the event, only a few containers were lost, whilst engine and fuel oil was pumped off the ship, so avoiding an ecological disaster.

The ship is still the responsibility of the Secretary of State’s Representative (SOSREP) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), who are planning the dismantling and removal of the remaining section of the hull.