Thursday 01 February 2007
From MSC Napoli Response Centre
SEAWARD
The weather forecast remains stable throughout the weekend.
There has been no change to the condition of the Napoli.
Approximately 2,900 tonnes of bulk oil have now been removed from the Napoli, representing around 75% of the total amount of fuel onboard. Pumping out is continuing and salvors will be preparing another fuel tank on the starboard for pumping later today. The pump speed is still good; salvors are currently pumping out 15 tonnes of oil per hour. Pumping out is continuing 24 hours a day.
There have been no reports of further oil discharged from the Napoli. Two patches of light sheen (old oil) reported yesterday are dispersing well.
The operation to remove containers from the stern of the ship is progressing well. Salvors have identified three containers that had first been thought to have been washed overboard. This reduces the total number of containers washed overboard to 100.
The shuttle barge arrived at Portland Port this morning carrying its first load. A 500 tonne mobile crane is in place to discharge the shuttle barge at Portland and it's anticipated that the vessel will be emptied this afternoon and return to the Napoli tomorrow. Containers are being segregated by their content at Portland Port, and security has been put in place by the Portland Port Police. Water monitoring has been put in place around the port at Portland.
Robin Middleton, the Secretary of States Representative, said today: "A recent risk assessment indicated that the likelihood of the vessel breaking up has been significantly reduced. The risk is rated as low or very low, even in periods of sustained bad weather." Mr Middleton said on revising the risk assessment, "I have increasing confidence in the structural strength and stability of the vessel, especially since the removal of containers from the aft section of the vessel which has significantly reduced stress on the vessel structure."
Dr Stephen Ladyman, Minister of State for Transport, gave a statement to the House of Commons today, updating the House to the events leading up to the beaching of the MSC Napoli in Lyme Bay.
Statement by Dr Stephen Ladyman
The two sonar vessels identified 'targets' two days ago and one of those targets has been positively identified as a container off Branscombe beach, which contractors are hopeful to recover during the spring low tide.
The sonar vessels have further identified another target which is believed to be debris on the seabed.
In response to a question about the presence of oil in the East Devon area from ships other than the Napoli, the MCA has confirmed that there is no other oil present, apart from the oil (now old oil) that came from the Napoli. The MCA has issued a warning to other vessels in the area not to take advantage of the fact that there is pollution by deliberately discharging illegally. The MCA is monitoring the situation by satellite and is aware of the identity of nearby vessels, and will not tolerate offences of this nature.
ONSHORE
Disposal of the 57 containers washed ashore is going well. 26 containers have been removed; 31 are awaiting removal.
The Environment Agency is inspecting the waste reception areas at Branscombe and the isolated container locations, and advising the contractors on appropriate waste disposal.
50 tonnes of scrap metal has been removed from the beach at Branscombe; 100 tonnes of non hazardous waste has been removed; 80 tonnes of hazardous waste (including vehicle parts) has been removed; and 2 tonnes of chemicals are ready to be removed. A further half a tonne of plastics and metals have been removed from the beach at Beer. 75 bags of insulating material and fleece wool has been removed from the beach at Seaton.
Contractors today are trying to float isolated containers with the intention to take them to Branscombe beach for disposal.
Devon Fire and Rescue Service's Fireboat, Vigiles, is currently in attendance off Branscombe beach, investigating the possibility of assisting the fire crews in shore-side logistical support.
Plymouth Fire boat at Branscombe
East Devon District Council officers have been patroling the beaches each day this week to identify Napoli waste washing ashore. Very little is washing ashore so the Council will be stepping down their patrols to once a week. Officers from the Coastguard Rescue Service will be checking the coastline this weekend and will report any waste washing ashore.
965 live birds have been recovered. 700 dead birds have been reported to date.
Update from South West Tourism
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