From the MSC Napoli Recovery Centre

Ship owners agreed in principle this week that the contract to remove the stern section will be given to Dutch salvage contractors, Smit.  Although dependent upon weather and sea conditions, and the continued condition of the vessel, the intention is to lift the stern section in one piece.    If that becomes impossible, then the section will need to be cut up in situ.  Equipment is being mobilised and the time line, subject to the above conditions, for a lift is around mid November.  A condition of the contract is the ongoing counter pollution measures to continue the environmental protection.

Operations onshore are going well, with contractors DRS having the clean up in hand.  Stormier weather last week had helped the natural break up of much of the oil that had come ashore.  The contractors this week have continued to monitor the shoreline and recovered some debris.  There has been no oil come ashore this week.  Local Authorities continue to have an excellent working relationship with the off and onshore contractors.

The pollution being dealt with in future is likely to feature inert waste eg metal, plastics and other products.  Winter storms are expected to deposit larger quantities of these inert pollutants and removing these prior to the Spring 2008 will be the contractor's priority.

East Devon District Council's new signs, at key locations at Seaton, Beer, Branscombe and Sidmouth, have been well received according to contractors and the District Council.  The signs show easily the last time the beaches were swept, with any message of warning or other information.