NAPOLI UPDATE – Tuesday 13 February

From the MSC Napoli Response Centre

SEAWARD

The vessel is stable on the seabed with a list of 10 degrees to starboard. There is no evidence of further deterioration in the structure of the vessel,  although the risk assessment remains unaltered. Most of the holds are subject to tidal flooding.

Poor weather conditions, with a swell of up to two and a half metres and wind between 35 and 40 knots, meant that salvors had to stop work onboard at 17:00 yesterday.

All significant heavy fuel oil has been removed, however there are known to be pockets of fuel still within the hull. The salvors will continue to attempt to recover as much of the remaining oil as possible.

The Bigfoot” crane barge and shuttle barge are expected back at the site, depending on the weather. The Anglian Earl is taking over from the Smit Medura, which has been monitoring the vessel.

Daily aerial surveillance flights will continue to provide information on marine pollution and the condition of the vessel.

It is thought that the swell has forced contaminated water from some flooded and tidal spaces. Measures are in place to mitigate any spills and booms are in place on the Rivers Axe and Brit.

Divers, who have filmed the seabed outside the exclusion zone for the BBC, have reported that the incident has not damaged protected pink sea fans and other rare corals. For more details visit:

BBC News - Napoli sea fans appear undamaged

ONSHORE

There have been small spillages of cargo during the last few days caused by the wave action breaching some containers in the lower tiers on the starboard side. The public are reminded to not handle any cargo or debris they may find washed ashore, but to report their finds to the Devon Napoli Response Centre on 01395 571700.

Beach teams are patrolling regularly and continue to clear debris as it is reported.

Biscuits and shampoo have been reported in West Bay.

It was reported that members of public could potentially have been cut off by the tide at the weekend while trying to help clean the beaches. The MCA is to re-state its advice that help from the public is not needed at this stage.